Drugs for Treating Afib

   Are there any drugs that do not slow down the heart rate that can be used to control Afib?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Jacqueline, thank you for your question.  Drugs that are used to control Afib invariably slow down the heart rate since the heart rate in Afib is often elevated.  When slow heart rates result from medical treatment for Afib, then a pacemaker is often needed to prevent the heart rate from becoming too slow.  There are no medications that control the rhythm with afib but don't slow down the heart rate.

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.