Changes in NT-proBNP levels in patients with sinus tachycardia after COVID-19

Aim. To evaluate the changes of the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in patients with sinus tachycardia after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during ivabradine monotherapy or in combination with β-blockers (BBs) compared to BB monotherapy.

Material and methods. This randomized comparative study included 90 patients discharged from the hospital after an acute period of COVID-19. The main group (n=60) included patients who received ivabradine monotherapy or in combination with BB in addition to standard therapy, while the control group (n=30) — standard therapy in combination with BB. The follow-up period lasted 24 weeks. Serum NT-proBNP concentration was determined by enzyme immunoassay at the first and last visit (0 and 24 weeks). Statistical processing was performed using STATISTICA 8.0 software. The level of statistical significance was p<0,05.

Results. A significant decrease in heart rate (HR) and NT-proBNP concentration was noted in both groups. The achievement rate of maximum recommended BB doses was 9,1% in the main group and 20% in the control group. Among individuals who did not achieve the maximum recommended doses of BB, the HR and NT-proBNP concentration were significantly higher in the control group as follows: 72 [66; 75] vs 68 [66; 75] bpm (p=0,028) and 55,5 [47,3; 88,8] vs 43,3 [31,0; 55,5] pg/ml, respectively (p=0,041).

Conclusion. We showed that therapy with ivabradine and betablockers helps to reduce the level of NT-proBNP against the background of HR decrease in patients after COVID-19, and ivabradine allows to achieve a more pronounced decrease in heart rate and NT-proBNP level in patients with failure to achieve the maximum recommended BB doses.

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