Influence of beta-blockers on the frequency of arrhythmia recurrences in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: an intraindividual comparison.
We studied retrospectively 60 consecutive recipients of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and identified 16 patients who were temporarily on and off beta-blockers (further medication unchanged). An intraindividual analysis revealed that 56% of the patients experienced more arrhythmic episodes during follow-up off beta-blockers compared to 44% while being on beta-blockers. Also, the mean episode frequency during follow-up time on and off beta-blockers was comparable (0.4+/-0.6 vs. 0.5+/-0.5, ns).
Fries
R
R
Medizinische Klinik, Innere Medizin III (Kardiologie/Angiologie), Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Heisel
A
A
Schieffer
H
H
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001262:Atenolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001262:Atenolol; D008790:Metoprolol; D000638:Amiodarone