Timing of Beta Blocker Administration Post–Cardiac Surgery Explored

Nathan Waldron, MD, MHS

Orlando, Fla.—Administration of beta blockers after cardiac surgery provides a significant protective effect against postoperative atrial fibrillation, but the timing of administration does not seem to affect the incidence of the sometimes devastating adverse event, a study has concluded. The researchers therefore recommended use of the agents on either postoperative day 1 or 2, in appropriate patient populations.

“Most anesthesiologists understand that