Treatment
Regaining a normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm), managing heart rate, preventing blood clots, and lowering the risk of stroke are all goals of treating atrial fibrillation. It is treatable by various methods including lifestyle changes, drugs, catheter-based procedures, and surgery. Your heart rhythm and symptoms will determine the type of treatment you receive. Medications are initially used to treat atrial fibrillation.
1- Antiarrhythmic drugs
Antiarrhythmic drugs aid in the restoration or maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in the heart. Procainamide, disopyramide, flecainide acetate, propafenone, sotalol, dofetilide, and amiodarone are examples of rhythm control drugs. When you start taking these medications you may need to stay in the hospital to have your heart rhythm closely monitored. These drugs are effective 30 to 60% of the time, but their effectiveness may deteriorate over time. To find the proper antiarrhythmic drug for you, your doctor may need to prescribe many different antiarrhythmic medications.
Some antiarrhythmic drugs may trigger arrhythmias, so it’s necessary to discuss your symptoms and any changes in your condition with your doctor.
