Can beta-blockers trigger AFib?

However, there are no cases described in the literature in which the beta-blocker was the only identifiable trigger of a first ep- isode of atrial fibrillation , followed by a rapid and incapacitating pro- gression in the severity of the process.

Beta-blockers “block” the effects of adrenaline on your body’s beta receptors. This slows the nerve impulses that travel through the heart. As a result, your heart does not have to work as hard because it needs less blood and oxygen. Beta-blockers also block the impulses that can cause an arrhythmia .

Bisoprolol* or metoprolol succinate are first-choice beta-blockers for patients with atrial fibrillation as they are prescribed once-daily and do not require dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment. Bisoprolol is preferred as it is more cardioselective than metoprolol and may cause more bradycardia.21 Tem 2017