What are two main goals for successful management of atrial fibrillation?
The primary goals in the management of patients who have atrial fibrillation are prevention of stroke and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy and amelioration of symptoms.
What are the goals for pharmacotherapy in patients with AF?
After a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the ideal goals may include: Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control) Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control) Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke)
What is the recommended approach to treatment of atrial fibrillation?
Rate control is the recommended treatment strategy in most patients with atrial fibrillation. Rhythm control is an option for patients in whom rate control is not achievable or who remain symptomatic despite rate control.
What is the recommended course of action for patients with permanent atrial fibrillation?
If the atrial fibrillation is not causing any symptoms, sometimes the best course of action is to simply live with it instead of receiving medications or other treatments in an attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm.
What is the first goal of treatment for atrial fibrillation?
The goals of treatment for atrial fibrillation include regaining a normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm), controlling the heart rate, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of stroke.
What is the first line treatment for atrial fibrillation?
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are first-line agents for rate control in AF. These drugs can be administered either intravenously or orally. They are effective at rest and with exertion. Intravenous diltiazem or metoprolol are commonly used for AF with a rapid ventricular response.
What are digitalis preparations effective for treating?
Digitalis is used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart rhythm problems (atrial arrhythmias). Digitalis can increase blood flow throughout your body and reduce swelling in your hands and ankles.
Which beta blocker is best for atrial fibrillation?
Bisoprolol* or metoprolol succinate are first-choice beta-blockers for patients with atrial fibrillation as they are prescribed once-daily and do not require dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment. Bisoprolol is preferred as it is more cardioselective than metoprolol and may cause more bradycardia.
How do you administer digitalis?
Administration of digoxin injection: Each dose should be given by intravenous infusion over of 10 – 20 minutes. The total loading dose should be administered in divided doses with approximately half of the total dose given as the first dose and further fractions of the total dose given at intervals of 4 – 8 hours.
What are the treatment goals for atrial fibrillation?
After a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the ideal goals may include: Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control) Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control) Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke) Managing risk factors for stroke.
What is atrial fibrillation (AFIB)?
Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation – American Family Physician Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular arrhythmia that adversely affects cardiac function and increases the risk of stroke. It is the most common arrhythmia and a major source of morbidity and mortality; its prevalence increases with age.
How do medications treat atrial fibrillation (AFIB)?
Even with medications, there is a chance of another episode of atrial fibrillation. You may be prescribed medications to control how fast your heart beats and restore it to a normal rate. Digoxin. This medication may control the heart rate at rest, but not as well during activity.
What is the prognosis of atrial fibrillation?
Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a fivefold increased risk of stroke, 3–5 and it is the most common arrhythmia. It worsens heart failure and increases mortality in patients with myocardial infarction, and is an independent risk factor for death.