Rhythm control of atrial fibrillation in heart failure

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are common cardiovascular pathologies with severe prognostic implications that show bidirectional interactions. Rate and rhythm control are the main therapeutic strategies for patients with AF and HF. There is a paucity of safe and effective antiarrhythmic drugs for rhythm control of AF in HF, with amiodarone and (in the United States) dofetilide as the only imperfect options. The basic mechanisms of AF are discussed and the evidence and limitations of AF rhythm control options for patients with HF are reviewed. In addition, novel potential antiarrhythmic strategies for rhythm control of AF are highlighted.

Keywords: Antiarrhythmic drugs; Atrial fibrillation; Heart failure; Rhythm control.