RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Advances in the management of atrial fibrillation
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 544
OP 552
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.12-6-544
VO 12
IS 6
A1 Anthony Li
A1 Elijah R Behr
YR 2012
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/12/6/544.abstract
AB Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide, increasing in incidence with the aging population. Substantial morbidity and mortality accompany its diagnosis. Management should focus on rate and rhythm management, on reducing thromboembolic risk, and also potentially on targeting the mechanisms responsible for its perpetuation. Current antiarrhythmic therapy has only modest efficacy and substantial side effects, and anticoagulation regimes are cumbersome and require regular monitoring. Novel anticoagulants and antiarrhythmics hold the promise of improved efficacy and safety. This review covers current therapy for AF, major advances in pharmacological management and future directions for therapy.