Why do you take betapace, xocor, digoxin, and coumadin (warfarin) with atrial fibrillation and sinus tachycardia?

Prevent stroke: Actually atrial fibrillation and sinus tachycardia are two completely different heart rhythms. None of these drugs would be of any use for sinus tachycardia. In atrial fibrillation, Betapace may restore a normal rhythm. Digoxin can help keep the heart rate down. Coumadin (warfarin) reduces the risk of stroke. Zocor also reduces stroke risk in some patients, but this is unrelated to the atrial fib.

Mixed Bag: You're all over the MAP on this one. In order: 1) control the rhythm (keep you in sinus) 2) [unrelated - treat high cholesterol and/or blocked coronary arteries] 3) control the rate when having fibrillation (this drug is largely ineffective in a 37yo) 4) prevent strokes from the fibrillation.