Analysis of resting heart rate and clinical characteristics in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease in Turkey: PULSE study

Abstract

Background: An association between resting heart rate (RHR) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been shown in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the RHR and its relationship with clinical variables in outpatients with stable CAD at secondary and tertiary care centers in Turkey.

Methods: Adults with stable CAD in sinus rhythm were included in this non-interventional, national, cross-sectional, multicenter study. Data were collected at a single study visit from 83 centers.

Results: The mean ± standard deviation age of all patients (n = 2,919) was 61 ± 10 years and 73% were males. The mean (SD) RHR was 73 ± 12 bpm, and 62% of patients had RHR of ≥ 70 bpm. Females more frequently had RHR ≥ 70 bpm compared with males (67% vs. 60%; p = 0.002). RHR was significantly higher in patients with angina than in those without (76 ± 13 vs. 73 ± 11 bpm, p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction and heart rate lower­ing drug use were significantly lower in patients with a RHR ≥ 70 bpm (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The RHR of outpatients with stable CAD was not within the level recommended by the guidelines.