In patients presenting to the emergency department with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, are calcium channel blockers more effective than beta-blockers for acute management of rate control?

Author

Jennifer Dang, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

4-1-2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Rahnea Sunseri

Abstract

The evidence on the efficacy of nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) compared to beta-blockers (BBs) for acute atrial fibrillation (AF) rate control in the emergency department setting was examined. Twelve studies were relevant and revealed that CCBs, specifically diltiazem, were superior to BBs because of their rapid onset of action and the lower number of doses they required to sustain ventricular rate control compared to BBs. However, given the small sample sizes in these studies and the limited number of randomized, double-blinded trials, more research is needed to increase the generalizability and to confirm the significance of these findings.

Recommended Citation

Dang, Jennifer, "In patients presenting to the emergency department with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, are calcium channel blockers more effective than beta-blockers for acute management of rate control?" (2019). Physician Assistant Capstones. 11.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/11