What is the function of diuretics in the context of atrial fibrillation?

The use of diuretics in the context of atrial fibrillation primarily involves managing fluid overload and controlling blood pressure. Patients with atrial fibrillation often experience changes in cardiac output and may retain fluid due to altered hemodynamics and heart function. Diuretics promote the excretion of excess fluid through urine, which helps to alleviate symptoms of congestion, such as swelling in the legs and difficulty breathing. Additionally, by reducing fluid overload, diuretics can lower blood pressure, contributing to better overall hemodynamic stability, which is crucial for patients with atrial fibrillation who may already be at risk for stroke and other complications.

The role of diuretics is not to increase heart contractility, prevent blood clots, or restore normal heart rhythm; those functions are aimed at other classes of medications, such as inotropes for contractility, anticoagulants for thrombosis prevention, and antiarrhythmics for rhythm restoration. Therefore, the use of diuretics is specifically focused on fluid management and blood pressure control, which is a critical aspect of managing patients with atrial fibrillation.