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Beta blockers as anti-arrhythmic agents.

Daejoon Anh·Joseph E Marine
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Abstract

Although beta-adrenergic blocking agents are not always considered anti-arrhythmic drugs, the results of several recent trials have suggested an anti-arrhythmic mechanism for at least part of their mortality benefit in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. We review background experimental and clinical evidence for the anti-arrhythmic actions of beta-blockers and then review the results of published beta-blocker heart failure trials. A majority of trials showed improvement in overall survival as well as reduction in sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias with beta-blocker treatment. Although different effects were seen with different specific agents, these trials overall support a clinically significant anti-arrhythmic effect of several beta-blockers.

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Adrenergic beta-AntagonistsAnti-Arrhythmia AgentsArrhythmias, CardiacCarbazolesCarvedilolHeart FailureHumansMetoprololPropanolaminesRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicUnited StatesJournal ArticleReview

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Daejoon Anh, Joseph E Marine. 2004. Beta blockers as anti-arrhythmic agents.. https://doi.org/10.1023/b%3Ahrev.0000046369.90417.db

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