Antiarrhythmische Therapie mit β-Rezeptor-Antagonisten

Abstract

β-Blockers are an essential component of medical therapy in patients with ischemic heart disease or cardiac dysfunction of any genesis. They have an effect at the level of the sinus and the atrioventricular node, as well as on the atrial and ventricular refractory period of the myocardium. Overall, there are complicated antifibrillatory effects which are involved in the reduction of morbidity and mortality of this the therapy. According to the guidelines, it is important to uptitrate to highest tolerated dose. In patients with atrial fibrillation, antiadrenergic therapy should be the first line treatment; if well tolerated, then β-blockers alone or as a combination with an antiarrhythmic drug is preferable. Future prospective studies on the antiarrhythmic effects in this therapeutic area should include comparisons of different α - and β-selective active substances. Increasing knowledge of the differential therapy with the available active substances including intravenously applicable short-acting β-blockers, e.g., in intensive care therapy - should distinguish the different therapeutic effects.