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Understanding Medications for Atrial Fibrillation: Navigating the Rhythm

Muralinath E., Pooja Devi, Nikhil Ch. Nath, Champak B., Kalyan C., Archana Jain, Guruprasad M.

Abstract


 Atrial FIBRILLATION (AF) is a common Cardiac arrhythmia manifested by irregular and rapid heartbeats that can result in many complications along with stroke and heart failure. Sodium channel blockers namely flecainide and propafenone perform by stopping sodium channels and decrease electrical impulses in the heart. Potassium channel blockers such as amiodarone extend the action potential duration, postponing repolarization of Cardiac cells. Amiodarone is very useful von both rhythm and rate control strategies for atrial FIBRILLATION. Beta_ blockers atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol decrease heart rate by ending the effects of epinephrine mainly on the heart rate. Calcium channel blockers namely diltiazem and verampanil decrease the electrical conduction on the heart and decrease heart rate. Anticoagulants such as apixaban, rivaroxaban and warfarin stop clot formation and decrease the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. Finally it is concluded that the pharmacological management of atrial FIBRILLATION is nuanced along with the choice of medications monitored to the individual patents characteristics, underlying conditions and the desired treatment strategy.

 


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References


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