Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequently diagnosed arrhythmia. Prevalence increases with age, and the overall incidence is expected to increase as the population continues to age. Choice of pharmacologic therapy for atrial fibrillation depends on whether or not the goal of treatment is maintaining sinus rhythm or tolerating atrial fibrillation with adequate control of ventricular rates. Many new antiarrhythmic drugs are currently being tested in clinical trials. Drugs that target remodeling and inflammation have shown potential in prevention of atrial fibrillation, or as adjunctive therapy.