Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
According to multiple sources, beta-blockers have been shown to increase heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with heart failure and other conditions [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Beta-blockers slow down the heart rate by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), causing the heart to beat more slowly and with less force [10]. This reduction in heart rate is thought to allow for greater variability in the time between heartbeats, leading to an increase in HRV [3]. However, it should be noted that the effect of beta-blockers on HRV may vary depending on the patient's condition and the specific medication used [1, 2].
Nebivolol is considered a unique beta-blocker due to its ability to improve nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and release, leading to better heart rate variability (HRV) and endothelial function compared to other beta-blockers [1]. In contrast to other beta-blockers, nebivolol does not inhibit the increase in heart rate typically seen with exercise, allowing for improved HRV and autonomic function in patients with heart failure [1]. Additionally, nebivolol is shown to have an effect on small muscular arteries, increasing pulse pressure amplification and reducing wave reflection, possibly due to increased NO levels [4]. Nebivolol has been demonstrated to reduce heart rate and increase ejection fraction, decrease left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, pulmonary capillary pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance in patients with Class I-II heart failure patients with an ejection fraction lower than 24% [8]. Overall, nebivolol may be a better beta-blocker to improve HRV due to its unique NO-mediated effects and lack of inhibition of exercise-induced heart rate increase.
Nebivolol is considered a unique beta-blocker due to its ability to improve nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and release, leading to better heart rate variability (HRV) and endothelial function compared to other beta-blockers [1]. In contrast to other beta-blockers, nebivolol does not inhibit the increase in heart rate typically seen with exercise, allowing for improved HRV and autonomic function in patients with heart failure [1]. Additionally, nebivolol is shown to have an effect on small muscular arteries, increasing pulse pressure amplification and reducing wave reflection, possibly due to increased NO levels [4]. Nebivolol has been demonstrated to reduce heart rate and increase ejection fraction, decrease left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, pulmonary capillary pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance in patients with Class I-II heart failure patients with an ejection fraction lower than 24% [8]. Overall, nebivolol may be a better beta-blocker to improve HRV due to its unique NO-mediated effects and lack of inhibition of exercise-induced heart rate increase.