title: Safety, efficacy, and indications of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade to reduce heart rate prior to coronary CT angiography.
abstract: For selected indications, coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography is an established clinical technology for evaluation in patients suspected of having or known to have coronary artery disease. In coronary CT angiography, image quality is highly dependent on heart rate, with heart rate reduction to less than 60 beats per minute being important for both image quality and radiation dose reduction, especially when single-source CT scanners are used. β-Blockers are the first-line option for short-term reduction of heart rate prior to coronary CT angiography. In recent years, multiple β-blocker administration protocols with oral and/or intravenous application have been proposed. This review article provides an overview of the indications, efficacy, and safety of β-blockade protocols prior to coronary CT angiography with respect to different scanner techniques. Moreover, implications for radiation exposure and left ventricular function analysis are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, West German Heart Center, University Clinic Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Amir A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mahabadi
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Achenbach
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burgstahler
authors.forename: Thorsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dill
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fischbach
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knez
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Moshage
authors.forename: Barbara M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Richartz
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ropers
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schröder
authors.forename: Sigmund
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Silber
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Möhlenkamp
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists