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. 2023 Feb 16;25(2):260-262.
doi: 10.1093/europace/euad010.

Beta-blockers in atrial fibrillation-trying to make sense of unsettling results

Markus Meyer  1 , Daniel Lustgarten  2
Affiliations

Beta-blockers in atrial fibrillation-trying to make sense of unsettling results

Markus Meyer et al. Europace. .

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is closely associated with heart failure and adversely affects outcomes. Beta-blockers are strongly recommended to avoid rapid ventricular conduction and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. In this Viewpoint article, we discuss an emerging body of evidence that questions beta-blockers as a preferred rate-control therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Beta-blockers; Diastolic dysfunction; Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Illustration of the haemodynamic effects of heart rate reductions with beta-blockers on left atrial and ventricular volumes and pressure. BNP, B-type natriuretic peptide; HFpEF, heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction; LA, left atrial; LVEDP, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure; SBP, systolic blood pressure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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