Beta-Blockers and bradycardia

[Nkavvs]

I was wondering if there were any differences in the beta blockers and their effects on heart rate?  If so, which would be the best one to use post-op or in a step down unit?  Is there any data published on this? Source?

[missynuc]

A related discussion, sick sinus -unknown etiology & Coreg Cr was started.

[karie]

So if you need a beta-blocker to help control pvc's,pac's and already have low b/p and heart rate associaited with your mvp or heart murmurs then what medication would be best ?
Is Inderal a good start ?

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Nkavvs,

Beta blockers generally slow the heart rate by blocking the beta-1 receptors. However, there are non-selective beta blockers which also block the beta-2 receptors and the alpha receptors.
There are also beta blockers which have intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and have less of an effect on heart rate. Any medical or pharmacology text would go into further detail regarding the differences in beta blockers.

Lastly, there is a study from here recently accepted into the American Journal of Cardiology which suggests that coreg may be better at preventing atrial fibrillation than metoprolol in patients post-CABG patients. The author's  name is C. Merritt.
This paper which will be published soon should address your concerns.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE