Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers help lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate and reduce angina (chest pain). They may improve the pumping action of the heart over time and prolong your life.
Side effects may include fatigue, dizziness and a slower heart rate. These side effects are common within the first two weeks of starting beta-blockers, but side effects generally disappear over time. These drugs should not be started if there is evidence of fluid retention (when the body holds back too much water).
Specific Medications for Arrhythmias
There are several drugs used to treat arrhythmias, which is the irregular beating of your heart. Treatment may require one or more drugs. The medications are chosen very carefully because almost all drugs have some side effects. In some situations, they can make the arrhythmia worse. Some of the more common drugs include:
Amiodarone helps maintain a normal heart rate. Amiodarone has many different effects or properties to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Beta Blockers are useful in the treatment of chest pain (angina). Beta Blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. (See more details about Beta Blockers in box on left.)
Diltiazem is calcium channel blocker. Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It slows many arrhythmias.
Disopyramide is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Metoprolol slows normal and abnormal heart rates, reduces hypertension (high blood pressure) and controls angina (chest pain). It may also be used after heart attacks to improve the patient's recovery.
Mexiletine is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Procainamide is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Propafenone is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Quinidine is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Quinidine can help maintain a normal heart rate.
Sotalol is a beta-blocker and is used to treat serious heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin is used to prevent the formation of blood clots.