Heart rate and b-blockade in stable coronary artery disease in Greece

Sbarouni, E., Voudris, V., Georgiadou, P., Hamilos, M., Steg, G., Fox, K. M., Greenlaw, N. and Vardas, P. E. (2015) Heart rate and b-blockade in stable coronary artery disease in Greece. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 56, pp. 112-117.

Abstract

Introduction: Heart rate (HR) is a strong prognostic indicator in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there is only limited evidence on HR and the use of b-blockers in patients with CAD in contemporary clinical practice.<p></p> Methods: CLARIFY is an international, prospective, observational, longitudinal registry of outpatients with stable CAD, defined as prior myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure, evidence of coronary stenosis >50%, or chest pain associated with proven myocardial ischemia. A total of 33,283 patients from 45 countries were enrolled between November 2009 and July 2010; of these, 559 patients were enrolled in Greece (age 62.3 ± 10.6 years, 84.44% men). Results: HR measured by pulse was 68.3 ± 10.2 bpm and by electrocardiogram 67.6 ± 10.9, with an excellent correlation (r=0.91, p<0.001). Overall, 42.8% had HR≥70 bpm. B-blockers were prescribed in 74.2% of patients. Resting HR by pulse on b-blocker was 67.8 bpm and without b-blocker 69.6 bpm (p=0.069). HR≥70 bpm was independently associated with a lack of physical activity, higher systolic blood pressure, and a higher prevalence of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and carotid artery disease.<p></p> Conclusion: Despite the use of HR lowering agents, the percentage of patients with HR≥70 bpm was high. It is likely that we can further improve HR control in Greek patients with stable CAD by both increasing the prescription of b-blockers and up-titrating their dose, as well as by using and up-titrating other available HR lowering agents.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Greenlaw, Miss Nicola
• Authors: Sbarouni, E., Voudris, V., Georgiadou, P., Hamilos, M., Steg, G., Fox, K. M., Greenlaw, N., and Vardas, P. E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
• Journal Name: Hellenic Journal of Cardiology
• Publisher: Hellenic Cardiological Society
• ISSN: 1109-9666
• ISSN (Online): 2241-5955