Current treatments of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia encountered in medical practice and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and consumes much of healthcare's finances. Controlling the patient's ventricular rate becomes the first priority, and digoxin, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers all come under consideration for the individual patient. Evaluation and treatment of contributing factors such as thyrotoxicosis, acute infarct, or ethanol consumption must also always be addressed. Consideration can then be given to whether a patient should be anticoagulated and cardioverted and to which medications or procedures are appropriate. The special situation of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is also a frequent challenge, with various treatment options available.