Comparative effects of carvedilol and amiodarone on conversion and recurrence rates of persistent atrial fibrillation.
Pretreatment with antiarrhythmic agents could improve cardioversion and recurrence rates in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. In a prospective controlled trial, 145 patients were randomly assigned to treatment with carvedilol, amiodarone, or placebo for 4 weeks before electrical cardioversion. Although the 2 drugs had similar effects on cardioversion rates, amiodarone was superior in terms of sinus rhythm maintenance after conversion.
Kanoupakis
Emmanuel M
EM
Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece.
Manios
Emmanuel G
EG
Mavrakis
Hercules E
HE
Tzerakis
Panos G
PG
Mouloudi
Helen K
HK
Vardas
Panos E
PE
D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077261:Carvedilol; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002227:Carbazoles; D011412:Propanolamines; D000077261:Carvedilol; D000638:Amiodarone