Canadian Cardiovascular Society Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines 2010: Rate and Rhythm Management

Abstract The goals of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) arrhythmia management are to alleviate patient symptoms, improve patient quality of life, and minimize the morbidity associated with AF and AFL. Arrhythmia management usually commences with drugs to slow the ventricular rate. The addition of class I or class III antiarrhythmic drugs for restoration or maintenance of sinus rhythm is largely determined by patient symptoms and preferences. For rate control, treatment of persistent or permanent AF and AFL should aim for a resting heart rate of 35%, dronedarone, sotalol, or amiodarone is recommended. In patients with left ventricular ejection fraction