Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
Muhammad Rizwan Sardar1, Wajeeha Saeed2, Peter R Kowey3
1Department of Cardiology, Cooper University Hospital, 3rd Floor Dorrance, One Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA; Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered arrhythmia. Prevalence increases with advancing age and so as its associated comorbidities, like heart failure. Choice of pharmacologic therapy depends on whether the goal of treatment is maintaining sinus rhythm or tolerating AF with adequate control of ventricular rates. Antiarrhythmic therapy and conversion of AF into sinus rhythm comes with the side effect profile, and we should select best antiarrhythmic therapy, individualized to the patient. New antiarrhythmic drugs are being tested in clinical trials. Drugs that target remodeling and inflammation are being tested for their use as prevention of AF or as upstream therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

