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Summary
Atrial fibrillation can occur without clear heart disease. Digoxin helps control heart rate, and cardioversion is an option for selected patients with this common arrhythmia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Sustained atrial fibrillation (AF) often links to mitral valve disease, hypertension, cardiac failure, and atherosclerosis.
- Idiopathic AF occurs without identifiable organic heart disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the consequences of atrial fibrillation.
- To outline management strategies for atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of atrial fibrillation pathophysiology and treatment.
Main Results:
- Atrial fibrillation can reduce cardiac output and lead to systemic emboli.
- An exaggerated ventricular response during exercise is a consequence of AF.
Conclusions:
- Digoxin is typically the preferred medication for controlling the ventricular rate in AF.
- Cardioversion is a viable treatment option for appropriately selected patients.