The Role of Antiarrhythmics in Atrial Fibrillation / 대한내과학회지

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common arrhythmia with clinical significance, and its incidence increases with advanced age. Afib is associated with a 3- to 5-fold increased risk of stroke, a 3-fold increase in the risk of heart failure, and higher mortality than without Afib. The treatment of Afib is multifold but revolves around one essential issue: whether to attempt to restore sinus rhythm or to simply control the ventricular rate. This decision depends on symptom severity, the age of the patient, underlying heart disease, and other comorbidities that may limit therapeutic options. The management of Afib with antiarrhythmic medications was reviewed.