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You are in: Home > Heart Information > Treatments For Heart Conditions > Drug Treatment > Drug Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation

Drug Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) involves the following:

• Controlling the heart rate (i.e. how fast it beats)
• Controlling the heart rhythm (i.e. how regularly it beats)
• Prevention of blood clots and stroke

The following groups of drugs can be used to control the heart rate / rhythm in AF:

• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Anti–arrhythmics

The following drugs can be used, in AF, to prevent blood clots and stroke:

• Warfarin: this is the anticoagulant most commonly used in persistent / permanent AF
• Heparin
• Aspirin
• Note: new anticoagulants are now becoming available. The first of these is called dabigatran. They may be suitable for some people with AF. Phone the Advice Line nurses on 0845 077 6000 for more information.

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