Atrial Fibrillaton

Question 1

What 4 drugs are used in rate control therapy

Answer 1

Digoxin
Verapamil
Bisoprolol
Diltiazem

Question 2

What drug is used in rhythm control therapy

Answer 2

Amiodarone

Question 3

What drug is used in rhythm control therapy

Answer 3

Amiodarone

Question 4

What comes first : rate or rhythm control?

Answer 4

Rate control

Question 5

How do you know if you should start an anticoagulant if a patient has atrial fibrillation

Answer 5

Calculate the CHA2DS2-VAS score
If CHA2DS2-VAS score is more than orbit score than start anticoagulant because the risk of stroke is more than the risk of bleeding

Question 6

What is the first line anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation? Give dose and frequency too

Answer 6

Apixaban 5mg bd

Question 7

What are some of the side effects you should look out for in a patient on apixaban

Answer 7

Bruising
Bleeding
Nosebleeds
Blood in stools

Question 8

What monitoring is required for apixaban

Answer 8

Annual renal test

Question 9

First line treatment for atrial fibrillation

Answer 9

Beta blocker or rate limiting calcium channel blocker [ dilitazem, verapamil]

Question 10

Second line treatment for atrial fibrillation

Answer 10

Combine 2 of : beta blocker, Diltiazem, Digoxin

Question 11

Third line treatment for atrial fibrillation

Answer 11

Consider rhythm control = Amiodarone

Question 12

3 Steps in treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Answer 12

1. Beta blocker
2. Pill in pocket
3. Ablation

Question 13

Treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation

Answer 13

Transoesphageal echocardiogram and anticoagulant for 3 weeks
If already on anticoagulant : electrical cardioversion