British Heart Foundation research on Beta blockers.

[Mo-ararat]

Hi

Just seem this article in the Guardian.

theguardian.com/society/201...

Although it doesn't mention AF it may start a debate or further researcher on the efficacy of such drugs with AF.

[CaroleF]

Interesting in that I am inclined to agree, in very general terms, with the point about over-prescription of medication/s.

[BobD Volunteer]

As you say nothing to do with AF. That said bisoprolol always seems to be the default position for most GPs with patients with AF regardless of any consideration regarding other conditions such as asthma of vagal mediation which is sad I feel.

[dedeottie]

Surely , if a person is in fast A.F., something had to be done to bring heart rate down so beta blockers make complete sense. Are there other drugs that do the same job and are they any safer? X

[BobD Volunteer in reply to dedeottie]

My worry is merely that beta blockers are not a good idea if a person has asthma and it is most likely a bad idea if the AF is vagal but no consideration seems to be given, just bish bosh take these. I agree that rate needs to be controlled I just worry about tunnel vision.

[CDreamer in reply to BobD]

Not just asthma Bob - contraindicated for MG & a few other autoimmune conditions.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Bob - how would one know if they had vagal Afib?

[ILowe in reply to BobD]

I have mild asthma sometimes, and I still take 1.25mg bisoprolol. It is still possible to take it in mild cases. There is also Nebivolol which apparently is even safer for patients with asthma.

[dedeottie]

Yes I agree. If only we were all treated as individual cases Im sure we would all be better off. My G.P.s are very good and listen to my opinions and ideas but often when first diagnosed we have to be reliant on doctors and that is when we would benefit from more individualised care. X

[MarkS]

The purpose of beta blockers in AF is to stop the heart beating too fast in AF and eventually causing heart failure. This article indicates beta blockers are still effective with heart failure. Heart failure rates are far higher in those with AF.

Having said all that, I agree that we tend to be over-medicated, and a lot of drugs people take for AF do not work.