Management of atrial fibrillation

Article Abstract:

Patients with atrial fibrillation are usually treated with drugs to reduce arrhythmia and risk of stroke. They may have a higher risk of stroke than other individuals, but risk of stroke may not be higher in those who do not have other forms of heart disease. Treatment with drugs to restore normal heart rhythm gives patients relief from symptoms. Other drugs may be used to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation, and three types of drugs may be used to slow ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. Patients may be treated with anticoagulants to prevent stroke or other complications of blood vessel blockage. Drugs may be used to control atrial fibrillation in patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, if they do not undergo surgery or catheterization. Patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled with drugs may undergo surgery to remove the atrioventricular junction.

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Redefining the role of antiarrhythmic drugs

Article Abstract:

Anti-arrhythmic drugs may still have some uses. Serious complications from some drugs led to a decrease in their use. A 1999 study found that the beta blocker sotalol reduced the risk of an inappropriate shock by 64%. Unlike some other anti-arrhythmic drugs, it did not increase the risk of death or cause serious side effects. Another 1999 study found that an anti-arrhythmic drug called ibutilide increased the number of patients in atrial fibrillation whose heart could be restored to normal function using a technique called cardioversion. Cardioversion involves using paddles to deliver a shock to slow a heart that is beating too fast.

Prevention, Electric countershock, Sotalol

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Atrial fibrillation in heart failure

Article Abstract:

The anti-arrhythmic drug dofetilide may be beneficial in patients with congestive heart failure who also have atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper part of the heart beats so rapidly it cannot function properly. Studies have shown that patients with congestive heart failure complicated by atrial fibrillation have higher mortality rates than those without atrial fibrillation. However, many anti-arrhythmic drugs can also increase the risk of death. In a 1999 study, dofetilide appeared to prevent atrial fibrillation without increasing the death rate.

Complications and side effects, Congestive heart failure

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