title: Pharmacotherapy of atrial fibrillation: an old option with new possibilities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia observed worldwide. Despite modern ablative treatment options, pharmacotherapy remains the first-line therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Based on recently published guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation, the present paper reviews the current and emerging concepts of pharmacotherapy in atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A MEDLINE search was conducted using the keyword 'atrial fibrillation' and 'drug therapy'. The reviewed literature included clinical trials and published reviews as well as clinical guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mainstay of atrial fibrillation therapy is the prevention of thromboembolic events. With growing knowledge of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation new drug targets have been identified that promise improved outcomes in atrial fibrillation management and this will allow individual drug treatment in the near future.
authors: Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Klinikum Bogenhausen, Städtisches Klinikum München GmbH, Englschalkinger Strasse 77, 89125 Munich, Germany.
authors: Sabine
authors: S
authors: Janko
authors: Uwe
authors: U
authors: Dorwarth
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Hoffmann
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents