What is a common approach to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation?

A common approach to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation involves techniques that lead to a reduction or stabilization of the heart rate, particularly because atrial fibrillation can cause rapid and irregular electrical signals that result in a fast ventricular response. AV junction ablation is one of these techniques, as it involves the deliberate destruction of the conduction pathway (the AV node) to prevent rapid conduction of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. By doing so, it allows for ventricular pacing to be carried out by a lower-rate pacemaker, effectively controlling the heart rate and providing a more stable rhythm. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who do not respond to medication or who have significant symptoms related to their rapid heart rate.

Other options, while relevant to the management of atrial fibrillation, focus on different aspects. Antithrombic therapy primarily addresses the risk of stroke by preventing thrombosis rather than controlling ventricular rate. Restoration of normal sinus rhythm may involve medications or procedures like cardioversion, but does not directly address rate control if the rhythm remains in atrial fibrillation. Cardioversion can indeed help restore normal rhythm temporarily but is not a sustained rate control strategy; rather, it is often used in conjunction