What is the recommended treatment for stable atrial fibrillation?

The recommended treatment for stable atrial fibrillation is focused on rate control, which can be achieved using calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or beta-blockers. In stable patients with atrial fibrillation, the primary goals are to control the ventricular rate and to prevent symptoms related to rapid heart rates. This can help enhance the quality of life for the patient and reduce the risk of complications.

CCBs, such as diltiazem or verapamil, are effective at slowing the conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, thereby decreasing the heart rate. Similarly, beta-blockers work through a different mechanism by reducing sympathetic tone and slowing AV nodal conduction, which also contributes to controlling the heart rate. Both classes of medications can be used alone or in conjunction depending on patient characteristics and other clinical factors.

While anticoagulation therapy is important in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, it is not the immediate treatment for rate control. Immediate cardioversion is typically not necessary in stable patients unless there are specific symptoms or hemodynamic instability. Surgical interventions are reserved for cases where there are significant complications or when other treatments have failed, emphasizing that most stable atrial fibrillation cases are managed effectively with pharmacological rate control