Rate Control in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Rate control in permanent atrial fibrillation.Medication used for slowing down the ventricular response rate is chosen and the dose adjusted individually, so that the patient is symptomless. The minimum target in asymptomatic patients is ventricular rate at rest below 110/min. Stricter rate limits are applied in symptomatic patients. In these patients, the target rate is 60-80/min at rest and 90-115/min on light exertion like walking. If one drug is not sufficient, a combination may be used. If that is not effective either, the patient is referred for consultation to a cardiologist specialized in rhythmology in order to assess the feasibility of invasive treatment (pacemaker and atrioventricular node catheter ablation).

Picture: Finnish Current Guidelines