Irregular rhythm & tachycardia (137/1700)

137. A 67yo man presents with palpitations. ECG shows an irregular rhythm and HR=140bpm. He is
otherwise stable, BP=124/80mmHg. What is the most appropriate management?
a. Bisoprolol
b. ACEi
c. Ramipril
d. Digoxin


































answer: A


Nice

1.6 Rate and rhythm control

When to offer rate or rhythm control

1.6.1 Offer rate control as the first‑line strategy to people with atrial fibrillation, except in people:
  • whose atrial fibrillation has a reversible cause
  • who have heart failure thought to be primarily caused by atrial fibrillation
  • with new‑onset atrial fibrillation
  • with atrial flutter whose condition is considered suitable for an ablation strategy to restore sinus rhythm
  • for whom a rhythm control strategy would be more suitable based on clinical judgement. [new 2014]

Rate control

1.6.2 Offer either a standard beta‑blocker (that is, a beta‑blocker other than sotalol) or a rate‑limiting calcium‑channel blocker as initial monotherapy to people with atrial fibrillation who need drug treatment as part of a rate control strategy. Base the choice of drug on the person's symptoms, heart rate, comorbidities and preferences when considering drug treatment. [new 2014]
1.6.3 Consider digoxin monotherapy for people with non‑paroxysmal atrial fibrillation only if they are sedentary (do no or very little physical exercise). [new 2014]
1.6.4 If monotherapy does not control symptoms, and if continuing symptoms are thought to be due to poor ventricular rate control, consider combination therapy with any 2 of the following:
  • a beta‑blocker
  • diltiazem
  • digoxin. [new 2014]
1.6.5 Do not offer amiodarone for long‑term rate control. [new 2014]

Rhythm control

1.6.6 Consider pharmacological and/or electrical rhythm control for people with atrial fibrillation whose symptoms continue after heart rate has been controlled or for whom a rate‑control strategy has not been successful. [new 2014]
Cardioversion
1.6.7 For people having cardioversion for atrial fibrillation that has persisted for longer than 48 hours, offer electrical (rather than pharmacological) cardioversion. [new 2014]
1.6.8 Consider amiodarone therapy starting 4 weeks before and continuing for up to 12 months after electrical cardioversion to maintain sinus rhythm, and discuss the benefits and risks of amiodarone with the person. [new 2014]
1.6.9 For people with atrial fibrillation of greater than 48 hours' duration, in whom elective cardioversion is indicated:
  • both transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE)‑guided cardioversion and conventional cardioversion should be considered equally effective
  • a TOE‑guided cardioversion strategy should be considered:

    • where experienced staff and appropriate facilities are available and
    • where a minimal period of precardioversion anticoagulation is indicated due to the person's choice or bleeding risks. [2006]

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