Medications to Control Atrial Fibrillation

One of the first steps in managing atrial fibrillation is a discussion about medications to control the afib.

Rate control and rhythm control are the two major ways of controlling afib.1

  1. Rate control medication reduces the symptoms of afib by slowing and controlling the heart rate, which may be too fast when you’re in afib. Rate control is often the first approach used.
  2. Rhythm control medication, called antiarrhythmic medication and sometimes called chemical or pharmacologic cardioversion, is designed to put you into normal sinus rhythm and hopefully keep you there. Rhythm control is typically used when afib symptoms worsen.

Get in Rhythm. Stay in Rhythm.®

Atrial Fibrillation Patient Conference

Featuring World-Renowned Afib Experts

Get Replays

Mellanie True Hills
Founder & CEO, StopAfib.org

Rate Control, Rhythm Control, or Both? What is Best for Me?

You and your doctor will decide on rate control, rhythm control, or both. Here are some questions to consider:

  1. What other health conditions, particularly heart conditions, do I have?
  2. What type of afib do I have (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent)?
  3. How much do my symptoms bother me?
  4. Is my afib preventing me from doing things I enjoy?
  5. What is my risk of stroke, heart failure, and other conditions associated with afib?
  6. How do I feel about taking several medications a day?
  7. Am I comfortable with the risks of the medication versus the benefits?

You Don't Have to Go It Alone

StopAfib.org was created for patients by patients to provide accurate information and genuine support for those affected by atrial fibrillation. Explore our online community and connect with other patients, families, and caregivers.

Afib Forum StopAfib.org Blog

Afib Medication Related Blog Posts

Anticoagulant Study Now Enrolling Afib Patients: LILAC – TIMI 76 Trial

A new clinical trial is enrolling afib patients who, because of your doctor’s decision or your preference, are not currently taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) to reduce the risk of clots and stroke. The LILAC… Read On

Study of Pill-in-the-Pocket Anticoagulants Now Recruiting

People living with afib often ask if it is safe and effective to take blood thinners as “pill in the pocket” medications. We don’t have the answer yet. However, a new study seeks to answer… Read On

Patient-Funded Research: GENIALITY Study: GGA for Afib Prevention

A favorite presenter at the Get in Rhythm. Stay in Rhythm.® Atrial Fibrillation Patient Conferences for the past three years has been Professor Bianca Brundel, PhD, from the physiology department at the Amsterdam University Medical… Read On
View More Afib Medication Posts