Eighty-two patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm were randomized to receive ivabradine (n = 42) 5 mg twice daily or atenolol (n = 40) 50 mg daily for 6 weeks. Transthoracic echocardiography and treadmill test were performed at baseline and after completion of 6 weeks of treatment. Mean total exercise duration in seconds markedly improved in both study groups at 6 weeks (298.57 ± 99.05 s vs. 349.12 ± 103.53 s; p = 0.0001 in ivabradine group, 290.90 ± 92.42 s vs. 339.90 ± 99.84 s; p = 0.0001 in atenolol group). On head-to-head comparison, there was no significant change in improvement of exercise time between ivabradine and atenolol group (p = 0.847). Left ventricular MPI did not show any significant change from baseline and at 6 weeks in both drug groups (49.8% ± 8% vs. 48.3% ± 7% in ivabradine group, 52.9% ± 10% vs. 50.9% ± 10% in atenolol groups; p = 0.602).
Ivabradine or atenolol can be used for heart rate control in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. Ivabradine is not superior to atenolol for controlling heart rate or exercise capacity. Left ventricular MPI was unaffected by either of the drugs.