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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation]
1Service de cardiologie, CHU de Rouen, 1 rue de Germont, Rouen, France. frederic.anselme@chu-rouen.fr
Annales De Cardiologie Et D'Angeiologie
|January 28, 2010
Summary
Rate control in atrial fibrillation aims to reduce symptoms and heart failure risk, with target heart rates set for rest and exercise. Drug therapy is the first line, with ablation and pacemakers as alternatives if needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) management
- Heart failure (HF) in AF patients
Purpose:
- Optimize rate control strategies in atrial fibrillation
- Improve quality of life and reduce HF risk
Summary:
- Rate control is a primary strategy for AF, suitable even for HF patients.
- Target ventricular rates: ≤85 bpm at rest, ≤115 bpm during moderate exercise.
- Pharmacological agents slowing AV conduction are first-line; AV nodal ablation with pacing is an option if medical therapy fails.
Impact:
- Provides evidence-based guidelines for AF rate control.
- Highlights the importance of individualized treatment approaches.
- Informs clinical decisions regarding medication, ablation, and pacing in AF management.
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