SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2005
10/6/05
Effects of inhaled salmeterol and formoterol on heart rate variability
Summary
Background - Tachycardia and sometimes irregular heart rhythm occur commonly with the use of inhaled beta agonists such as albuterol. Less is known about the effects of two commonly used inhaled long acting beta agonists salmeterol (Sal) and formoterol (Form).
Findings - Eryonuca et al of the Yuzancu Yil d Universitesi in Turkey compared the short-term effects of Sal (50 mcg) and Form (12 mcg) on heart rate variability (HRV) in adult asthmatics. They found no significant differences in the HRV parameters after inhalation of Sal and Form when such parameters were measured every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. The authors concluded that Sal and Form have no short-term adverse effects on the HRV.
Reference
Chest 2005;128:1136-39
Editor's Comments
These findings are moderately reassuring although I would have preferred if this study included a placebo treatment arm in a cross-over study design. However, this study should have included measurement of HRV at a later intervals after inhalation of Sal and Form in view of the bronchodilating effect of Sal and Form for about 12 hours.
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