I was taking both atenolol (beta blocker) and amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) for hypertension years before the AFIB appeared. (I also have PVC's which I had most of my life) When the trial of antiarrhythmics "failed," I continued with the amlodipine and atenolol. My atenolol dose was raised from 75mg to 100mg post ablation when the PVC's began recurring, but at a much lower frequency. I would have to say the answer to your question is that the atenolol did NOT "control" the AFIB.....at least at the dose I was on, and my cardiologist and EP never suggested increasing the dose to attempt control. It has been nearly a year since my ablation and I continue to take 5mg amlodipine, 100mg atenolol and 20mg of Xarelto. I have had zero recurrence of AFIB and infrequent PVC's. (Neither of my doctors are concerned about the PVC's)