title: Treating atrial fibrillation. What is the consensus now?
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia, especially in elderly persons. Current recommendations outline pharmacologic and interventional therapies designed to minimize the risk of stroke and other morbidities that can accompany this condition. In this article, Drs Basu Ray and Heist review treatment options for cardioversion and control of rate and rhythm and make suggestions for best management in patients with chronic or intermittent AF.
authors.affiliation: Harvard-Thorndike Electrophysiology Institute, Beth Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. indranill_basuray@bidmc.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Indranill Basu
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: E Kevin
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Heist
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants