Control of Rapid Ventricular Rate in Atrial Fibrillation
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Background
Rapid ventricular rates in patients with atrial fibrillation are a very common admission to the hospital due to the severe symptoms that it causes. The goal of medical therapy is to achieve a heart rate of 70 to 100 bpm at rest. This can be accomplished pharmacologically with agents that slow AV nodal conduction if the patient is hemodynamically stable. Medications commonly used include Digoxin, Beta Blockers, and Calcium Channel Blockers
Quick Reference for Pharmacologic Rate Control of Atrial Fibrillation
References
- ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Executive Summary A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines and Policy Conferences (Committee to Develop Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) Developed in Collaboration With the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Circulation. 2001 Oct 23;104(17):2118-50.
