Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9880
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2155-9880
+44 1300 500008
Shinichi Ushiroda
Ushiroda Medical Clinic; 5-1 Aza, Hashimoto,
Onahama, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima 971-8101
Japan
Research Article
A β-Blocker may be Effective on Ventricular Contractile Mechanisms in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved, but not Reduced, Ejection Fraction
Author(s): Shinichi UshirodaShinichi Ushiroda
Background: Ventricular contractile responses to β-blockers remain largely unknown in patients with AtrialFibrillation (AF) and Heart Failure (HF), despite the recommended use of β-blockers as first-line pharmacotherapyfor these patients. This study investigated β-blocker effects on ventricular contractile mechanisms, namely theFrank-Starling Mechanism (FSM), Mechanical Restitution (MR), and Postextrasystolic Potentiation (PESP), whichare closely associated with ventricular contractile function, in AF patients with HF with preserved (HFpEF) versusreduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). Methods: Twenty AF patients were divided into two groups based on EF: the HFpEF group (EF ≥ 50%, n=14)and the HFrEF group (EF<40%, n=6). Using impedance cardiography, an FSM-MR graph and a PESP graph werecreated by applying (dZ/dt) min va.. View More»