Heart Beat: Some leniency on heart rate control in atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, the fast, erratic churning of the heart's upper chambers (the atria) can be treated two ways: by forcing the atria back into a steady rhythm, a strategy known as rhythm control, or by allowing the fibrillation to continue and instead controlling how fast the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) contract each minute, a strategy known as rate control. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and are appropriate for different groups of people.
Although guidelines for rate control recommend keeping the heart rate under 80 beats per minute, a more lenient target of under 110 beats per minute may be just as effective and far easier to achieve, with fewer doctor visits or medication-related problems (New England Journal of Medicine, published online, March 15, 2010).
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.