General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
After an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, treatment has several goals. Relieving symptoms and preventing complications do not necessarily rely on the same measures.
Rate control aims to slow the heartbeat. Rhythm control seeks to restore and maintain a regular rhythm, depending on the circumstances.
Anticoagulants aim to prevent clots, including those causing strokes. Your doctor assesses their indication and bleeding risk in light of your medical situation.
A return to a regular rhythm alone is not sufficient reason to stop an anticoagulant. Do not change your treatment without a medical decision.
High blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea and lifestyle may also form part of care. Priorities are tailored to the individual.
At follow-up, ask about each medicine’s purpose, monitoring and problems to report. Bring your prescription to connect each medicine with its goal.
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