Beta-blockers for atrial fibrillation

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
acebutolol	Sectral
atenolol	Tenormin
carvedilol	Coreg
esmolol	Brevibloc
metoprolol	Lopressor, Toprol, Toprol XL
nadolol	Corgard
propranolol	Inderal

How It Works

Beta-blockers block the effects of certain hormones (catecholamines, such as adrenaline) on the heart. This helps slow the heart rate by blocking the number of electrical impulses that pass through the AV node to the lower heart chambers (ventricles).

Why It Is Used

Beta-blockers are used to help control heart rate in people with atrial fibrillation. They may also be used to control blood pressure.

Beta-blockers may also be used in some people to prevent episodes of atrial fibrillation that come on when they exercise.

How Well It Works

Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and control the ventricular heart rate well in active people. They are not always well-tolerated because of decreased exercise capacity.

Side Effects

Side effects of beta-blockers can include:

• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection (impotence).
• Cold arms, hands, legs, or feet because of poor blood flow to these areas.
• Masking of symptoms of severe low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes who take insulin or oral hypoglycemics.
• Depression.
• Slow heart rate.
• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing, especially if you have asthma.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Beta-blockers sometimes can slow the heart rate too much. They can also make heart failure worse. While people are taking beta-blockers, close monitoring is important.

Some beta-blockers may cause problems in people who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and some types of heart failure.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: January 18, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist
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