title: The efficacy and tolerability of commonly used agents to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful cardioversion.
abstract: A number of therapeutic strategies exist for the restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation. The acute success rate with electrical cardioversion is high. However, many patients relapse into atrial fibrillation. A major challenge faced by those who care for patients with atrial fibrillation is the long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm whilst avoiding treatment-related adverse effects. This review examines the efficacy and tolerability of conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs for the secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation in the post-cardioversion period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Rd, SW17 0QT, London, UK.
authors.forename: Hanney
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gonna
authors.forename: Mark M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents