Evaluation of metoprolol versus diltiazem for rate control of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the metoprolol and diltiazem administration in the Emergency Department (ED) for rate control of supraventricular tachycardia. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who presented to the ED with ventricular rates ≥120 beats per minute (bpm) and who received bolus doses of either intravenous metoprolol or intravenous diltiazem. The primary outcome was achievement of rate control, defined as heart rate < 110 bpm, at two hours after administration of the last bolus dose of metoprolol or diltiazem. Safety outcomes included occurrence of hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure