2018 Korean Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines for Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation.
10.3904/kjm.2018.93.2.140
- Author:
Ki Woon KANG
1
;
Jaemin SHIM
;
Jinhee AHN
;
Dae In LEE
;
Jun KIM
;
Boyoung JOUNG
;
Kee Joon CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Cardiology, Eulji University Hospital School of Medicine, Deajeon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Atrial fibrillation;
Anti-arrhythmia agents;
Guidelines
- MeSH:
Anti-Arrhythmia Agents;
Atrial Fibrillation*;
Catheter Ablation;
Comorbidity;
Drug Therapy*;
Heart Diseases;
Heart*;
Humans
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2018;93(2):140-152
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Rhythm control therapy is the main strategy for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Sinus rhythm is better restored and maintained with antiarrhythmic drugs than with placebo treatment. In addition, catheter ablation or combination therapy is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs for treating NVAF. However, in most clinical trials to date, rhythm control therapy has resulted in neutral clinical outcomes compared with rate control therapy. The decision to undergo rhythm control therapy should be based on age, atrial fibrillation (AF)-related symptoms, type of AF, structural heart disease, and underlying comorbidities. For now, rhythm control therapy is indicated to improve symptoms in patients with NVAF who have refractory symptoms after adequate rate control therapy. The Korean Heart Rhythm Society organized the Korean AF Management Guideline Committee and analyzed all available data, including South Korean patients with NVAF. This review article provides general principles and detailed methodology for rhythm control therapy in South Korean patients with NVAF.
