Treatment Overview

In some patients, atrial fibrillation may possibly be cured. In most patients, atrial fibrillation is a usually a chronic condition. Treatment for atrial fibrillation is focused on restoring normal heart rhythm and avoiding complications such as blood clots and stroke.

Types of Treatments

Treatment for atrial fibrillation includes:

  • Medications
  • Catheter or surgical ablation
  • Electrical cardioversion
  • Pacemaker implantation
  • Left atrial appendage ligation
  • Lifestyle changes

Medications – Medications for atrial fibrillation include:

Beta blockers, which help to slow heart rate. Beta blockers used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation include:

  • Atenolol
  • Carvedilol
  • Metoprolol

Direct-acting anticoagulants, which help thin the blood and prevent blood clots and stroke. Direct-acting anticoagulants used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation include:

  • Clopidogrel
  • Edoxaban
  • Dabigatran
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin

Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem and verapamil, which help to control heart rate

Digitalis or digoxin, which control the rate that blood is pumped throughout the body

Anti-arrhythmic drugs, which help to prevent irregular heart rhythms. Anti-arrhythmic drugs used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation include:

  • Amiadarone
  • Dofetilide
  • Flecainide
  • Propafenone
  • Solatol

Catheter or surgical ablation – This procedure uses electrical energy to destroy the tissue that is causing the atrial fibrillation. Catheter or surgical ablation may need to be repeated if the atrial fibrillation recurs. Catheter or surgical ablation can be used in combination with pacemaker implantation.

Electrical cardioversion – This procedure for treating atrial fibrillation restores normal heart rhythm through the use of low-energy shocks to the heart. Electrical cardioversion may be used in an emergency such as an irregular heart rhythm or heart attack.

Pacemaker implantation – A pacemaker may be implanted for atrial fibrillation if another irregular heartbeat is present.

Left atrial appendage ligation – This surgical procedure for atrial fibrillation can be used to prevent blood clots and stroke. Left atrial appendage ligation may be performed at the same time as catheter or surgical ablation.

Lifestyle changes – Lifestyle changes for atrial fibrillation include:

  • Exercise
  • Heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet
  • Lower salt intake
  • Limiting or avoiding alcohol
  • Managing stress
  • Quitting smoking
  • Weight loss

Any underlying disorders that contribute to the risk of atrial fibrillation, such as overweight or obesity, overactive thyroid, also called hyperthyroidism, or sleep apnea will also require treatment.

Long-Term Follow Up

Ongoing, long-term follow-up is an essential part of treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation because the condition can reoccur even after it has been treated.

Sources

This content was written by the MediFind Medical Team. Last updated: 6/9/2022

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    Atrial Fibrillation Approved Drugs

    These are drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they have been determined to be safe and effective for use in Atrial Fibrillation.

    Found 12 Approved Drugs for Atrial Fibrillation

    Xarelto

    Generic Name
    Rivaroxaban
    Form: Tablet, Kit, Granule
    Method of administration: Oral
    FDA approval date: July 01, 2011
    Classification: Factor Xa Inhibitor
    XARELTO is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated: to reduce risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

    Apixaban

    Brand Names
    Eliquis 30-Day, Eliquis
    Form: Tablet, Kit
    Method of administration: Oral
    FDA approval date: December 28, 2012
    Classification: Factor Xa Inhibitor
    ELIQUIS is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated: to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

    Pradaxa

    Generic Name
    Dabigatran Etexilate
    Form: Pellet, Capsule
    Method of administration: Oral
    FDA approval date: August 08, 2011
    Classification: Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
    PRADAXA Capsules is a direct thrombin inhibitor indicated: To reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

    Verapamil

    Brand Names
    CALAN, Verapamil HCI, Trandolapril, Verelan
    Form: Injection, Tablet, Capsule
    Method of administration: Oral, Intravenous
    FDA approval date: October 01, 1986
    Classification: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
    Verapamil hydrochloride injection, USP is indicated for the following: Rapid conversion to sinus rhythm of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, including those associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White [W-P-W] and Lown-Ganong- Levine [L-G-L] syndromes). When clinically advisable, appropriate vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver) should be attempted prior to verapamil hydrochloride administration. Temporary control of rapid ventricular rate in atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation except when the atrial flutter and/or atrial fibrillation are associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White (W-P-W) and Lown-Ganong-Levine (L-G-L) syndromes). In controlled studies in the United States, about 60% of patients with supraventricular tachycardia converted to normal sinus rhythm within 10 minutes after intravenous verapamil hydrochloride. Uncontrolled studies reported in the world literature describe a conversion rate of about 80%. About 70% of patients with atrial flutter and/or fibrillation with a faster ventricular rate respond with a decrease in ventricular rate of at least 20%. Conversion of atrial flutter or fibrillation to sinus rhythm is uncommon (about 10%) after verapamil hydrochloride and may reflect the spontaneous conversion rate, since the conversion rate after placebo was similar. Slowing of the ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter lasts 30 to 60 minutes after a single injection. Because a small fraction (<1.0%) of patients treated with verapamil hydrochloride respond with life-threatening adverse responses (rapid ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation and an accessory bypass tract, marked hypotension, or extreme bradycardia/asystole-see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ), the initial use of verapamil hydrochloride injection should, if possible, be in a treatment setting with monitoring and resuscitation facilities, including D.C.-cardioversion capability. As familiarity with the patient's response is gained, use in an office setting may be acceptable. Cardioversion has been used safely and effectively after verapamil hydrochloride injection.

    Rythmol

    Generic Name
    Propafenone
    Form: Tablet, Capsule
    Method of administration: Oral
    FDA approval date: October 24, 2000
    Classification: Antiarrhythmic
    RYTHMOL SR is indicated to prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with episodic (most likely paroxysmal or persistent) AF who do not have structural heart disease. Usage Considerations: The use of RYTHMOL SR in patients with permanent AF or in patients exclusively with atrial flutter or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has not been evaluated. Do not use RYTHMOL SR to control ventricular rate during AF., Some patients with atrial flutter treated with propafenone have developed 1:1 conduction, producing an increase in ventricular rate. Concomitant treatment with drugs that increase the functional atrioventricular (AV) nodal refractory period is recommended., The effect of propafenone on mortality has not been determined. RYTHMOL SR is an antiarrhythmic indicated to prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with episodic (most likely paroxysmal or persistent) AF who do not have structural heart disease. ( 1 ) Usage Considerations:, Use in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation or with atrial flutter or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has not been evaluated. Do not use to control ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. ( 1 ), In patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, use RYTHMOL SR with drugs that increase the atrioventricular nodal refractory period. ( 1 ), The effect of propafenone on mortality has not been determined. ( 1 )
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