title: Management of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is a very common clinical problem with a high prevalence that is expected to rise over time because of increasing risk factors (eg, age, obesity, hypertension). This high prevalence is also associated with high cost, because atrial fibrillation represents about 1% of overall health care spending. The management of atrial fibrillation involves multiple facets: (1) management of underlying disease if present and the management of atrial fibrillation risk factors, (2) prevention of thromboembolism, (3) control of the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation, and (4) restoration and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Electrophysiology, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
authors.forename: Talal
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Moukabary
authors.affiliation: Clinical Electrophysiology, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. Electronic address: mgonzalez@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Mario D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D019468:Disease Management; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants
keywords: Antiarrhythmic drugs; Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Sinus rhythm; Thromboembolism; Ventricular rate