Antiarrhythmics and their implications in the perioperative period

Many of the present commonly used antiarrhythmics have some implication for the anesthesiologist caring for patients receiving these drugs. Newer antiarrhythmics need to be evaluated further to determine if they are safe to use in the perioperative period. Many of the guidelines are safe today are results of studies in animals that were extrapolated to humans, and practices that have withstood the test of time. Furthermore, other modalities for the treatment of perioperative arrhythmias should always be kept in mind. These include the use of temporary or permanent electrical cardioversion. Beta adrenergic blocking drugs and calcium channel blockers and their preoperative implications will be discussed in a subsequent chapter.