About Heart Rhythms
Treating Arrhythmias
There are many options available to
treat arrhythmias from prescribing medication to undergoing a
procedure. These options include:
Medications
Antiarrhythmics: a classification of medications that are prescribed to
treat cardiac arrhythmias. Antiarrhythmics work in a variety of
different ways. They can lower the risk of developing arrhythmias,
terminate arrhythmias, lessen the symptoms associated with arrhythmias,
or prevent arrhythmias from occurring. Some antiarrhythmics were
developed only for this purpose, e.g., amiodarone, sotalol or
flecainide. Other cardiac medications work well as antiarrhythmics
(e.g., beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers) but are also useful
in the treatment of other heart conditions such as angina or high blood
pressure.
Warfarin (Coumadin): prescribed for most patients in atrial fibrillation because they have an increase risk of stroke. The risk is increased because with atrial fibrillation, the heart's atria are not squeezing effectively. Consequently, blood tends to "pool" in the atria, which can result in the formation of blood clots. Clots that form in the atria can break loose, travel through the arteries to the brain, resulting in a stroke. Warfarin (Coumadin) prevents the formation of clots and requires frequent patient follow-up for dose adjustments to prevent hemorrhage complications.
Procedures
Cardioversion
Catheter (Radiofrequency) Ablation
Pacemaker
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Maze
Information Guide
About Heart Rhythms
Conduction System
Arrhythmia Overview
Common Arrhythmias
Diagnosing Arrhythmias
Treating Arrythmias
Review Date: 08/06
