Should β blockers be used in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation?

Beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, digoxin, and intravenous amiodarone are contraindicated in these patients; flecainide or amiodarone can be used instead.

Traditional contraindications to beta-blockers are peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma .

Use of Beta-blockers in Supraventricular Arrhythmias Atrial Flutter Beta-blockers have not been very effective for conversion of atrial flutter to sinus rhythm However, they are effective, to a certain degree, for ventricular rate control and are, therefore, indicated in stable patients.

In AF, beta-blockers are preferred as a rate-control agent in patients after myocardial infarction and in patients with congestive heart failure. They may be avoided in patients with chronic pulmonary disease and at risk of bronchoconstriction.5 Ara 2015