Augmenting maintenance of sinus rhythm in the control of atrial fibrillation by antiarrhythmic drug combinations

Abstract

In recent years, a major development in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is the use of catheter ablation, and a significant number of patients may benefit from this mode of therapy. On a global scale, it may not be feasible to deal with most patients solely on the basis of ablation. Therefore, it is likely that much of the therapy for AF will continue to rely on antiarrhythmic agents for maintaining sinus rhythm. For many years, amiodarone and sotalol have been the dominant antiarrhythmic agents, with amiodarone being the most effective antiarrhythmic in suppressing AF; however, amiodarone use is limited due to concerns of end-organ toxicity. Upstream therapies, such as statins, fish oil, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers may also provide additive efficacy to these and other membrane-active antiarrhythmics. In recent years, a number of new agents are being developed and the first successful congener of amiodarone, dronedarone, has been shown to be effective in controlling AF and reducing cardiovascular hospitalization. This paper explores the possibility of augmenting the extent of controlling AF by combining multiple potent antiarrhythmic agents old and new. © The Author(s) 2010.