Typical web entries define it in this way:

Proarrhythmia is a new or more frequent occurrence of pre-existing arrhythmias, paradoxically precipitated by antiarrhythmic therapy, which means it is a side-effect associated with the administration of some existing antiarrhythmic drugs, as well as drugs for other indications. In other words, it is a tendency of antiarrhythmic drugs to facilitate emergence of new arrhythmias.

I am having trouble finding a blood pressure med that does not cause palpitations. Having read about proarrhythmia, I realize that I am concerned that meds may be more of a crap shoot than we might first imagine.

I am wondering how many here have had issues with proarrhythmia and how you negotiated those circumstances.

Hi b1pw,

I'm not aware of proarrythmia being a new occurrence. But there is evidence-based quidelines that find short-acting calcium channel blockers as compared to diuretics and beta blockers for hpb were associated with a 60% increase in a heart attack risk. This supports existing guidelines that recommend diuretics (lasix), ACE inhibitor and beta blockers (coreg) my regimen as the foremost medication for the treatment of hypertension.

Sometimes if there are adverse side effects for the recommended first-line agents, calcium channel blockers may be introduced. Obviously, the risk-reward factor is a consideration or should be!

Hi b1pw,

I'm not aware of proarrythmia being a new occurrence. But there is evidence-based quidelines that find short-acting calcium channel blockers as compared to diuretics and beta blockers for hpb were associated with a 60% increase in a heart attack risk. This supports existing guidelines that recommend diuretics (lasix), ACE inhibitor and beta blockers (coreg) my regimen as the foremost medication for the treatment of hypertension.

Sometimes if there are adverse side effects for the recommended first-line agents, calcium channel blockers may be introduced. Obviously, the risk-reward factor is a consideration or should be!

Interesting. My cardio doc wants me to try Norvasc, a calcium channel blocker, since other meds cause palpitations.

The increased risk for heart attack is for those with cardiovascular disease? Heart cath says that my heart is clear, and that it could not be any better, to quote him.