Atrial fibrillation is more serious if the ventricular rate is fast and thromboembolism occurs, but it is not serious if it occurs only occasionally. It can be treated by anticoagulation, cardioversion, ventricular rate control, etc. The treatment is not difficult, but it is more difficult to cure it completely.
1. Anticoagulation: Since the biggest risk of atrial fibrillation is to cause thromboembolism, anticoagulation is a very important part of the treatment of atrial fibrillation, which is usually treated with warfarin, or heparin, dabigatranate, rivaroxaban, apixaban, etc. To prevent embolism, it is also possible to treat with heparin, dabigatranate, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and so on.
In order to prevent embolism, left auricular occlusion can also be performed to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.
2. Rhythm reversal therapy: Rhythm reversal can be done with drugs such as quinidine, procainamide, propafenone, amiodarone, ibutilide, etc., to induce the heart rate to return to normal. Catheter ablation or implantation of a pacemaker for electrical cardioversion is also possible.
3. Ventricular rate control: mainly with metoprolol, propranolol, verapamil and so on.
If medication is ineffective, atrioventricular node ablation, atrioventricular node ablation modification, and installation of a permanent pacemaker can be performed to control symptoms and prolong the patient’s survival.
In the event of atrial fibrillation, it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid serious thromboembolic complications.