title: Algorithms useful in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heterogeneous disorder; its management must be individualized depending upon the mode of presentation, underlying substrate, and need for either rate or rhythm control. In hemodynamically unstable patients with new onset AF, conversion by electrical cardioversion is the preferred approach; however, in stable patients pharmacological options may be considered. Recurrence rate after conversion is high in the majority of patients, necessitating the use of antiarrhythmic agents. Because of modest efficacy and potential for untoward effects, various nonpharmacologic approaches are being explored. Some of these modalities are considered curative in the short-term but techniques are still being refined.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Tufts University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02135, USA.
authors.forename: G Muqtada
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: Charles I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Haffajee
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents