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Rate-control therapy
Rate-control therapy slows the ventricular response rate in atrial fibrillation by reducing conduction through the atrioventricular node.
Rate-control therapy slows the ventricular response rate in atrial fibrillation by reducing conduction through the atrioventricular node. Used for Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, Atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response.
At a glance
| Generic name | Rate-control therapy |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Our Lady of the Lake Hospital |
| Drug class | AV nodal blocking agents (beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, or cardiac glycosides) |
| Target | AV nodal conduction (multiple targets depending on agent: beta-1 adrenergic receptors, L-type calcium channels, or adenosine receptors) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Rate-control therapy encompasses a class of medications (typically beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin) that work by depressing conduction velocity through the AV node, thereby reducing the number of atrial impulses that reach the ventricles. This slows the heart rate to a target range (typically 60–100 bpm at rest) without attempting to restore normal sinus rhythm, making it a symptomatic management strategy for atrial fibrillation.
Approved indications
- Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
- Atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response
Common side effects
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- AV block
Key clinical trials
- SMART-VERAPAF: Self-MAnagement and Random Therapy With VERApamil or Metoprolol in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PHASE4)
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Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |