Chronic or persistent atrial fibrillation is treated in different ways. Initially, you may need electrical cardioversion or IV medication to convert the heart back to a normal rhythm. The IV drugs help keep the heart rate from going too high. Then your doctor will prescribe several different drugs to slow the chaotic heartbeat and to keep the blood thin. Medications may include calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers and digitalis. In some people, the atrial fibrillation may come back when taking these medications. Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and aspirin will be prescribed to help prevent blood clots and stroke. If you continue to have atrial fibrillation and the medications are not resolving the rapid, irregular heartbeat, your doctor may recommend a procedure called radiofrequency ablation (cardiac ablation) to eliminate areas in your heart that are triggering the rhythm problems. Even with medical treatment, chronic atrial fibrillation may return again. Staying close to your doctor is important so you can get additional treatment, if necessary, to convert the rapid heart rhythm.
Chronic or persistent atrial fibrillation is treated in different
ways. Initially, you may need electrical cardioversion or IV
medication to convert the heart back to a normal rhythm. The IV
drugs help keep the heart rate from going too high. Then...
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Donna Hill Howes answered:Chronic or persistent atrial fibrillation is treated in different ways. Initially, you may need electrical cardioversion or IV medication to convert the heart back to a normal rhythm. The IV drugs help keep the heart rate from going too high. Then your doctor will prescribe several different drugs to slow the chaotic heartbeat and to keep the blood thin. Medications may include calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers and digitalis. In some people, the atrial fibrillation may come back when taking these medications. Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and aspirin will be prescribed to help prevent blood clots and stroke. If you continue to have atrial fibrillation and the medications are not resolving the rapid, irregular heartbeat, your doctor may recommend a procedure called radiofrequency ablation (cardiac ablation) to eliminate areas in your heart that are triggering the rhythm problems. Even with medical treatment, chronic atrial fibrillation may return again. Staying close to your doctor is important so you can get additional treatment, if necessary, to convert the rapid heart rhythm.