Key result
Ivabradine inhibits the funny current to treat chronic stable angina in beta-blocker intolerant patients with NSR.
Why the study?
The funny current (If) in sinoatrial node cells is a key target for pharmacological heart rate control, with ivabradine as the most specific inhibitor.
Ivabradine is a specific funny current inhibitor used for chronic stable angina in patients intolerant to beta-blockers, with potential benefits in reducing coronary artery disease outcomes.
Ivabradine remains an option for beta-blocker intolerant stable angina; leaves open confirmation of broader CAD outcome benefits.
Out of all the electrical discharges occurring in the cardio myocytes, the funny current (If) or the pacemaker current (Ir) is rather unusual. The existence of such an electrical activity in the sinoatrial node was established in 1970’s. Because of their relevance to generation of pacemaker activity and modulation of spontaneous frequency, f-channels are natural targets of drugs aimed to pharmacologically control heart rate. Ivabradine is the most specific and selective If inhibitor and the only member of this family that is now marketed for pharmacological treatment of chronic stable angina in patients with normal sinus rhythm who have a contraindication or intolerance to beta-blockers. Recent studies have also indicated that funny channel inhibition can be used to reduce the incidence of coronary artery disease outcomes.
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Sunny et al. (2013) conducted a review in Chronic stable angina. Ivabradine was evaluated. Ivabradine is a specific funny current inhibitor marketed for chronic stable angina in patients with normal sinus rhythm who have a contraindication or intolerance to beta-blockers.
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