How is atrial fibrillation usually treated?

Slow down the heart: Beta blockers and digoxin are often used first to slow down the heart when there is rapid heart rate of af. In some patients, electric shocks can be utilized to convert the irregular rate of af to normal. In most all cases, blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) and new drugs like Pradaxa are utilized to reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside the heart and causing complications such as strokes.

Rate vs. rhythm: Control & is specific to individual...Talk to your physician.