Rhythm control of atrial fibrillation in heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are common cardiovascular pathologies with severe prognostic implications that show bidirectional interactions. Rate and rhythm control are the main therapeutic strategies for patients with AF and HF. There is a paucity of safe and effective antiarrhythmic drugs for rhythm control of AF in HF, with amiodarone and (in the United States) dofetilide as the only imperfect options. The basic mechanisms of AF are discussed and the evidence and limitations of AF rhythm control options for patients with HF are reviewed. In addition, novel potential antiarrhythmic strategies for rhythm control of AF are highlighted.
Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen 45122, Germany.
Jordi
J
Heijman
Niels
N
Voigt
Issam H
IH
Abu-Taha
Dobromir
D
Dobrev
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
Antiarrhythmic drugs; Atrial fibrillation; Heart failure; Rhythm control