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Medications for Managing Atrial Flutter: Understanding the Pharmacology
Abstract
Atrial flutter is a Cardiac arrhythmia manifested vby rapid, regular atrial contractions that happen at a rate higher compare to the normal heartbeat. Anti-arrhythmic medications namely procainamide acts as a sodium channel blocker and assists in the stabilizing the Cardiac cell membrane, so that controlling the electrical impulses essential for atrial flutter. Flecainide and profenone perform by stopping sodium channels and decrease abnormal activity particularly in the atria. Amiodarone impacts potassium channels and extends the action potential duration and assists in restoring a regular rhythm. Dronedarone decreases the risk of cardio vascular hospitalization in patients with atrial flutter. Beta_ blockers such as atenolol, metoprolols and propranolol decrease heart rate by stopping the effects of adrenaline and provide effective rate control especially in atrial flutter. Calcium channel blockers namely verampanil and diltiazem decrease calcium influx into Cardiac cells and reduce the heart rate and are specifically helpful in patients with contraindications to beta_ blockers. Patients with atrial flutter are an enhanced risk of blood clots and stroke. That is why, anti-coagulants namely warfarin, apixaban and rivaroxaban are helpful in stopping thromboembolytic events. Finally it is concluded that in managing atrial flutter, a comprehensive approach involving anti arrhythmic drugs., rate control drugs and anti coagulant is frequently employed.
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