Managing Atrial Fibrillation *ACPE-Accredited*

This episode of Core Consults RX Podcast provides an overview of atrial fibrillation (AFib), covering its diagnosis, acute and chronic management, and stroke risk considerations. The hosts detail the cardiac action potential and classifications of AFib, emphasizing the importance of ruling out underlying causes like acute MI or hyperthyroidism. They discuss rate versus rhythm control strategies, including pharmacological and electrical cardioversion, and highlight the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, like flecainide and amiodarone, while considering structural heart disease. The CHADS-VASC score is introduced to assess stroke risk, guiding anticoagulation decisions with Warfarin or DOACs. The episode also touches on the Watchman device as an alternative for patients with contraindications to long-term anticoagulation.