Title:Perioperative Management of Beta Blockers and Other Antiarrhythmic Medications
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Author(s): Joan M. Irizarry-Alvarado*
Affiliation:
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224,United States
Keywords:
Antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, medication management, perioperative care, potassium
channel blockers, sodium channel blockers, surgery.
Abstract: Background: Antiarrhythmic medications are an important tool in preventing recurrence
of intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias.
Objective: To review current literature and recommendations for perioperative management of
antiarrhythmic medications.
Methods: Literature review is presented along with the pharmacology of antiarrhythmics.
Results: Antiarrhythmic medications should be continued perioperatively for the prevention of
arrhythmias intra- and postoperatively. However, beta blockers have had controversies regarding
their perioperative safety profile.
Conclusion: Continuation of antiarrhythmic medications is safe perioperatively. However, initiation
of beta blockers should be patient-tailored and titrated to a target heart rate in advance surgery.