Treatment of Stable Angina Pectoris With Ivabradine in Everyday Practice: A Pan-Hellenic, Prospective, Noninterventional Study.

INTRODUCTION

In coronary artery disease (CAD), medical treatment is the main clinical strategy for controlling ischemia and angina symptoms while restoring a satisfactory level of usual activities and improving quality of life (QOL). This study's purpose was to evaluate in CAD patients the antianginal efficacy of 4-month treatment with ivabradine plus a β-blocker and to record patient compliance and the effect of treatment on QOL.

METHODS

In this noninterventional study, 2403 patients with chronic stable angina were prospectively studied from 245 private cardiology offices. Data were recorded at baseline and at 1 and 4 months after inclusion. Patient quality of life was assessed using the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire.

RESULTS

From baseline to study completion, mean heart rate decreased from 81.5 ± 9.7 bpm to 63.9 ± 6.0 bpm (P <-0.001), mean number of anginal attacks decreased from 2.0 ± 2.0 times/wk to 0.2 ± 0.6 times/wk (P < 0.001) and nitroglycerin consumption decreased from 1.4 ± 2.0 times/wk to 0.1 ± 0.4 times/wk (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class I increased from approximately 38% (baseline) to 84% (study completion; P < 0.001). The reduction in anginal attacks, nitroglycerin consumption, and angina score was correlated with reduction in heart rate (P < 0.001). The mean EQ-5D visual analogue scale index increased by 16.1 points (P < 0.001), and compliance with treatment was high throughout the trial (96%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ivabradine administration on top of optimal individualized dose of β-blockers is associated with decreased anginal events and with improvement of QOL in CAD patients.