Atrial fibrillation – selected aspects of diagnosis and pharmacological management

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent supraventricular heart rhythm disorder. AF poses various serious health and life-threatening risks, including an elevated risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events, the development of tachyarrhythmic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Appropriate pharmacotherapy plays a crucial role in the effective management of patients with AF. Currently, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban are commonly prescribed as part of anticoagulant therapy. In cases where patients are unable to take these drugs or require vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (VKAs), warfarin or acenocoumarol are recommended. Antiarrhythmic drugs from various groups, including group Ic (propafenone, flecainide) and group III (amiodarone, sotalol), are utilized to prevent AF attacks or interrupt arrhythmic episodes. Additionally, controlling heart rate in patients with established AF is often achieved with beta-blockers, which belong to group II drugs.