Carvedilol is effective and safe in combination with bepridil for persistent atrial fibrillation and decreases the QT prolongation induced by bepridil therapy.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the efficacy of carvedilol for preventing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation and reducing QT prolongation induced by bepridil.

METHODS: We assigned 144 subjects with persistent atrial fibrillation. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: carvedilol plus bepridil, candesartan plus bepridil, and bepridil alone. The primary endpoint was length of time to the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. All subjects were followed up for 3 years. Electrocardiographic parameters were measured for QT interval, QTc, heart rate, and QRS duration.

RESULTS: The pharmacological conversion rate by carvedilol plus bepridil was 77%, candesartan plus bepridil was 63%, and bepridil alone was 57%. The significant difference was between carvedilol plus bepridil and bepridil alone (P = 0.03). The maintenance of SR at 3 years was 60% in carvedilol plus bepridil, 59% in candesartan plus bepridil, and 40% in bepridil alone. The difference between carvedilol plus bepridil and bepridil alone was statistically significant (P = 0.04). QTc and QT interval were significantly prolonged in candesartan plus bepridil and bepridil alone but not in carvedilol plus bepridil.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrated that the combination therapy with carvedilol plus bepridil is more effective for maintaining SR than bepridil alone therapy and carvedilol reduced QT prolongation by bepridil therapy.