Selective heart rate reduction with ivabradine slows ischaemia-induced electrophysiological changes and reduces ischaemia-reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias

► Ivabradine treatment reduced the incidence of reperfusion ventricular arrhythmia. ► The anti-arrhythmic effects of ivabradine were due to heart rate reduction. ► Mean heart rate during ischaemia is a determinant of reperfusion arrhythmias. ► Heart rate reduction delayed onset of ischaemia-induced electrophysiological changes. ► Selective heart rate lowering is a potential anti-arrhythmic therapeutic strategy.