What's the difference between rhythm control and rate control in A-fib?

Douglas E. Severance, MD

Family Medicine

Rate control, the first line of treatment for atrial fibrillation, controls the heart rate without changing its rhythm. It helps to bring your heart rate to a normal level. Rhythm control is used to maintain the heart's rhythm with no arrhythmias. If medications for rate and rhythm control are ineffective in people with atrial fibrillation, doctors may then recommend cardioversion to regulate the heart rate. Sometimes cardiac ablation is necessary to resolve atrial fibrillation, if medications fail to work effectively.

Continue Learning about Atrial Fibrillation

9 myths about atrial fibrillation, debunked

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. It’s estimated that this condition, often called AFib, affe...

What you need to know about atrial fibrillation

You may not realize it, but electrical signals are running through your body all the time. In your heart, for example, natural electrical signals caus...

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, fatigue, heart failure, and other heart problem...

Can strong emotions trigger atrial fibrillation? Doctors have long suspected that strong emotions ar...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Features:

Condition Headquarters:

What's the difference between rhythm control and rate control in A-fib?

Continue Learning about Atrial Fibrillation