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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Drug therapy for atrial fibrillation
Emily L Conway1, Simone Musco, Peter R Kowey
1Lankenau Hospital, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Main Line Heart Center, Suite 556, Medical Office Building East, 100 Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA.
Cardiology Clinics
|December 30, 2008
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart arrhythmia, is increasing with an aging population. New antiarrhythmic drugs and therapies targeting remodeling and inflammation show promise for AF prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia.
- AF prevalence rises with age, and population aging will increase incidence.
- Treatment strategies for AF depend on rhythm control versus rate control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging pharmacologic therapies for atrial fibrillation.
- To discuss the role of novel agents in AF management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and therapeutic strategies for atrial fibrillation.
- Analysis of drug development targeting AF pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- Pharmacologic therapy choice is guided by treatment goals: maintaining sinus rhythm or controlling ventricular rate.
- Numerous novel antiarrhythmic drugs are under investigation in clinical trials.
- Agents targeting cardiac remodeling and inflammation demonstrate potential for AF prevention or as add-on therapies.
Conclusions:
- The landscape of atrial fibrillation pharmacotherapy is evolving with new drug development.
- Targeting underlying mechanisms like remodeling and inflammation may offer new avenues for AF management.
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