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BHF - New heart failure drug will benefit many people
Ivabradine has been licensed following a study of chronic heart failure patients involving more than 6,000 people. The drug could help improve both symptoms of heart failure and a patient’s quality of life where other drugs have failed.
Heart failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood around the body as efficiently as it should. The most common cause of heart failure is a heart attack. Ivabradine works by slowing the heart rate and the study showed this improved both symptoms and quality of life in those taking it.
Maureen Talbot, BHF's Senior Cardiac Nurse, said: “There are already several medicines available in the UK for treating heart failure, but some people’s condition and symptoms remain uncontrolled. Knowing doctors have another option to offer those patients whose condition is particularly difficult to treat is really positive news.Knowing doctors have another option to offer is really positive news
“Patients whose heart failure symptoms are already well controlled with their current treatment are unlikely to have their medication changed because of this new drug, but for many it could improve their quality of life.”
