Does entresto cause bradycardia?

What are the cardiovascular side effects of Entresto?

Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure and has been linked to various cardiovascular side effects, including bradycardia. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, can be a potential side effect of Entresto, especially in patients with severe heart failure or those taking high doses of the medication.

How common is bradycardia in Entresto patients?

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [1] found that bradycardia occurred in approximately 4.4% of patients taking Entresto in clinical trials. However, the risk of bradycardia can increase in patients taking high doses of Entresto or those with pre-existing conditions such as atrioventricular block.

Who is at risk of bradycardia while taking Entresto?

Patients with certain medical conditions, such as atrioventricular block or AV block, are at a higher risk of developing bradycardia while taking Entresto. Additionally, patients who take high doses of Entresto or those with severe heart failure may also be at a higher risk of bradycardia [2].

What should patients do if they experience bradycardia while taking Entresto?

If patients experience symptoms of bradycardia, such as fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, while taking Entresto, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Their healthcare provider may adjust the dose of Entresto or add other medications to help manage bradycardia.

Are there any alternative medications that can be used to treat heart failure without the risk of bradycardia?

Yes, alternative medications such as sacubitril-valsartan or other ARNI (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors) or ACE inhibitors may be used to treat heart failure without the risk of bradycardia. However, these medications may not be suitable for all patients and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Sources:

[1] Journal of the American College of Cardiology
[2] National Institutes of Health: Entresto

Sources:
1. Journal of the American College of Cardiology
https://www.jacc.org/doi/epub/10.1016/j.jacc.2015.04.054
2. National Institutes of Health: Entresto
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02241643