New Development Of Treatment For Atriai Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an increasingly common arrhythmia which is associated with a substantial burden of cardiovascular disease.The management of atrial fibrillation has evolved greatly in the past few years,and many areas have had substantial advances or developments.Medical treatment is directed at either rate control (slowing the ventricular rate and allowing atrial fibrillation to continue) or rhythm control (restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm).There are different types of therapy for each purpose.Antiarrhythmic drug therapy,however,is difficult and inadequate with the agents that are now available.New antiarrhythmic drugs,such as dronedarone and vernakalant,have provided some additional opportunities for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation.Recognition of the limitations of aspirin and the availability of new oral anticoagulant drugs that overcome the inherent drawbacks associated with warfarin will enable widespread application of effective thromboprophylaxis with oral anticoagulants.The emphasis on stroke risk stratification has shifted towards identification of so-called truly low-risk patients with atrial fibrillation who do not need antithrombotic therapy,whereas oral anticoagulation therapy should be considered in patients with one or more risk factors for stroke.The availability of non-pharmacological approaches,such as ablation,has allowed additional options for the management of atrial fibrillation in patients who are unsuitable for or intolerant of drug approaches.