Differential effect of regadenoson versus dipyridamole on heart rate in patients with left bundle branch block: How does it affect the results of pharmacological nuclear stress testing?

• Published in: JRSM cardiovascular disease 2019-01, Vol.8, p.2048004019828257-2048004019828257
• Main Authors: Assaad, Mahmoud, Berry, Abeer, Palanisamy, Jaishree, Fenner, Joseph, Zughaib, Marcel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrocardiography; Heart rate; Research Paper
• ISSN: 2048-0040; 2048-0040
• DOI: 10.1177/2048004019828257

Background Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) stress test is performed either using exercise as a stress modality or through the use of pharmacological vasodilator agents in those who cannot exercise. Regadenoson and dipyridamole are some of the most common vasodilator agents used. We aim to study the effect of these agents on the heart rate and the imaging results. Methods This was a retrospective study which included 187 patients with left bundle branch block. Patients received either dipyridamole or regadenoson during the myocardial perfusion imaging stress test. Charts were reviewed, and patient characteristics were recorded, as well as baseline heart rate, peak heart rate during stress, and angiographic data if available. Results Regadenoson increased peak, absolute and relative heart rates significantly more compared to dipyridamole. The peak heart rate for Regadenoson was 94.1 ± 17.36 and for dipyridamole it was 85.38 ± 16.48 BPM (P