Medications

[PVC]

I am experiencing lone afib and frequent atrial ectopy.  I have been put on propafenone before which has generally kept things under control.  Propafenone does cause some side effects and thus I try to avoid being on it.  I am in excellent health otherwise and all the cardiac tests are good.  Someone recently recommended a beta-blocker called Inderal.  I have resisted using beta-blockers because I have a very low resting heart rate (about 50 bpm).  Actually on holter monitors during sleep my heart rate has dropped as low as 29 bpm.  So my questions are simple:
1.  Would Inderal be recommended in my case in light of the low heart rate?
2. Is Propafenone a scarry enough drug that I should avoid using it unless absolutely necessary.  I also wonder if Inderal would work in a similar way as Propafenone and thus give me a better alternative to the propafenone.
3.  Is it true that some athletes use Inderal?  
Thanks
Peter

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and are useful in patients who are in frequent or chronic afib and have a problem with fast heart rates.  Athletes don't use beta-blockers in general because it decreases their performance.  The only athletes it may help are rifle marksmen who need very steady hands.  However it is illegal for them to use it during competition.  

Propafenone actually decreases the number of afib episodes.  It does have potential side-effects and you should discuss these with your doctor.  We don't give advice as to which drug to use - this is up to you and your doctor.