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.

Keywords: Antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, medication management, perioperative care, potassium channel blockers, sodium channel blockers, surgery.

Graphical Abstract