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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.
Abstract:
Although most cases of sustained atrial fibrillation are associated with mitral valve disease, hypertension, cardiac failure and atherosclerotic heart disease, some cases occur in the absence of any identifiable organic pathology. The consequences of atrial fibrillation include reduction in cardiac output, systemic emboli and an exaggerated ventricular response to exercise. In most clinical situations, digoxin is the drug of choice for controlling the ventricular response. Cardioversion should be undertaken in appropriately selected patients.