title: The medical management of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is an extremely common arrhythmia that is associated with significant sequelae. Certain aspects of therapy, such as anticoagulation, are studied in well-constructed randomized trials. Other therapy, such as the maintenance of sinus rhythm with antiarrhythmic agents, is supported by limited evidence. This article reviews the epidemiology and medical treatment of this arrhythmia, addressing anticoagulation, ventricular rate control, and restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm. Randomized trials in progress that attempt to answer important questions in the management of atrial fibrillation are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA.
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Masoudi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Goldschlager
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin