What is the primary function of ivabradine in heart failure management?

Ivabradine primarily functions to lower heart rate in heart failure management. It specifically acts by inhibiting the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in the sinoatrial node, leading to a reduction in heart rate without significantly affecting blood pressure or cardiac contractility. This is particularly beneficial in heart failure patients who often experience a high resting heart rate, as lowering the heart rate can help improve diastolic filling time and reduce myocardial oxygen demand, ultimately leading to symptomatic relief and potentially improved outcomes.

While it is true that controlling blood pressure is important in heart failure management, ivabradine is not specifically indicated for that purpose. Increasing cardiac output is not the main action of ivabradine, as it does not enhance the contractility of the heart. Additionally, ivabradine does not have a direct effect on renal function, which is influenced by multiple hemodynamic factors unrelated to heart rate modulation. Thus, the primary role of ivabradine in this context clearly aligns with its function of lowering heart rate.