Role of Ivabradine on Heart Rate and Quality of Life in Patients With Mitral Stenosis in Sinus Rhythm

Mitral stenosis, a condition characterized by narrowing of the mitral valve orifice, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in regions where rheumatic fever is endemic. Despite advancements in medical and surgical management, patients with mitral stenosis often suffer from symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance, significantly impacting their quality of life (QoL) \[1\]. One of the hallmark features of mitral stenosis is the development of sinus rhythm, which can be associated with elevated heart rates due to decreased diastolic filling time and compensatory mechanisms to maintain cardiac output. Persistent tachycardia in patients with mitral stenosis contributes to increased myocardial oxygen demand, exacerbating symptoms and potentially leading to adverse outcomes \[2\]. In recent years, ivabradine, a selective inhibitor of the If current in the sinoatrial node, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for controlling heart rate in various cardiovascular conditions, including chronic heart failure and ischemic heart disease \[3\]. By specifically targeting the cardiac pacemaker cells, ivabradine reduces heart rate without affecting myocardial contractility or conduction, offering a unique mechanism of heart rate control compared to traditional beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers \[4\]. However, the role of ivabradine in patients with mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm remains uncertain, and there is limited evidence regarding its efficacy and impact on QoL in this specific patient population. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the effects of ivabradine on heart rate control and QoL in patients with mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm.