[Pharmacologic treatment of atrial fibrillation].
Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation with consequent deterioration of atrial mechanical function. It is a common arrhythmia that presents various treatment options. Pharmacologic therapy is used to maintain sinus rhythm, to control the ventricular response, or to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm and prevention of thromboembolism. Cardioversion shocks are applied through surface or intrathoracic electrodes to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. The tendency for recurrence of atrial fibrillation is high. Treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs has decreased its recurrence. Drugs that slow conduction through the AV node (such as digoxin, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers) have been used as adjuvants to therapy for the prevention of atrial fibrillation. Drugs used for the prevention of atrial fibrillation are antiarrhythmic drugs of class IA and C, and type III. Drug combination acting through different electrophysiological channels and mechanisms may prove beneficial in the prevention of atrial fibrillation.
Lelakowski
Jacek
J
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004077:Digoxin