Published Materials
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects nearly 9 million Americans.1 AF is associated with a 5-fold increase in the risk of stroke and significant morbidity and mortality.2 Using the foundations of AF management can help reduce the risks associated with AF.3
Foundations of AF management
Prevent stroke
Anticoagulants can reduce the risk of stroke. These include warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa, generics), edoxaban (Savaysa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
Control rate and rhythm
Rate control uses medications to normalize the heart rate, though patients may remain in AF.
Rhythm control uses medications or procedures to achieve a normal heart rhythm.
These two strategies can be used together or independently.
Optimize risk factors
Additional Resources for Patients
- American Heart Association
- UpBeat.org – by the Heart Rhythm Society
- FamilyDoctor.org – by the American Academy of Family Physicians
- NIH National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Information current at time of publication, November 2024.
The content of this website is educational in nature and includes general recommendations only; specific clinical decisions should only be made by a treating clinician based on the individual patient’s clinical condition.
References
- Williams BA, et al. Temporal Trends in the Incidence, Prevalence, and Survival of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation From 2004 to 2016. Am J Cardiol. 2017;120(11):1961-1965.
- Martin SS, et al. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024;149(8):e347-e913.
- Joglar JA, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2024;149(1):e1-e156.
BALANCED INFORMATION FOR BETTER CARE
© Copyright 2025 Alosa Health
