title: Do the benefits of anti-arrhythmic drugs outweigh the associated risks? A tale of treatment goals in atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and places a substantial burden on the US healthcare system. Unfortunately, there is no consensus as to whether patients should be treated with a primary rate- or rhythm-control strategy. The use of anti-arrhythmic drugs in the treatment of AF is discussed in the broader context of AF disease-management strategies with a focus on rhythm control. Outside of rhythm/ECG, AF treatment targets and cardiovascular outcomes are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron Street, Suite 8-503, Feinberg Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. michael.kim@nmff.org
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D004617:Embolism / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020521:Stroke / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents