AAD
In general, when choosing an AAD for symptomtic atrial fibrillation, the
following should be taken into consideration:
(a) Are there any secondary triggers of AFib that can be minimized to
help improve the chances of staying in sinus rhythm. These include:
-Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
-Ideally, the AHI should be < 5
-Hypertension
-Correlation with EToH consumption
-Thyroid Disease
-Pulmonary Disease / Hypoxia
-Infection
(b) If patient has no evidence of structural heart disease / CAD and
overall pretest probability / suspicion for CAD is low, Class IC
AADs are a consideration (Flecainide)
-Contraindications to Flecainide include:
-LVH > 1.4 cm
-2nd or 3rd degree AV Block (unless PPM)
-Bifascicular block (unless they have a PPM)
-Concurrent use of Ritonavir
-Significant hepatic impairment
-Significant renal impairment
-As flecainide is a use dependent AAD, would recommend obtaining
treadmill ECG to examine QRS duration at elevated heart rates
(c) Presence of Structural Heart Disease / CAD precludes the use of
Class IC AAD, and thus leaves us with the following choices:
-Amiodarone
-Sotalol
-Dofetilide