Strategies for rate and rhythm control of atrial fibrillation in the ED.
Publication Title
JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2023
Keywords
california; burbank; psjmc
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common dysrhythmias managed in the ED and accounts for more than half a million visits a year in the United States. More than 6 out of 10 of these visits result in admissions. As the prevalence of AF has continued to increase in recent years, so has the presentation of patients with AF to the ED. For these reasons, clinicians in emergency settings must be knowledgeable of evidence-based rate and rhythm control strategies for stabilizing patients and preventing complications. This article discusses options, indications, contraindications, and safe implementation of rate and rhythm control strategies for ED clinicians. Recent studies have suggested that early rhythm control may benefit newly diagnosed patients, reducing stroke risk, cardiovascular deaths, and disease progression.
Area of Special Interest
Cardiovascular (Heart)
Specialty/Research Institute
Cardiology
Specialty/Research Institute
Emergency Medicine
