Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Untreated atrial fibrillation is usually associated with a rapid, irregular ventricular response and is often accompanied by symptoms including palpitations, fatigue, dyspnea, and dizziness. It is widely accepted that slowing the ventricular response, both at rest and during activity, with the use of drugs that prolong the refractory period of the atrioventricular (AV) node (so-called rate-control agents) will result in an improvement in symptoms and most likely reduce the future risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The strategy of rate control is preferred by most physicians to the strategy of rhythm control as initial therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation,¹ given . . .