What medication is commonly used to manage heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Digoxin is commonly used to manage heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation due to its ability to decrease heart rate by increasing vagal tone and reducing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. It is particularly useful in patients who have heart failure or reduced left ventricular function, as it can help in both controlling the heart rate and improving cardiac output.

In addition, digoxin helps regulate heart rhythm, which is critical in atrial fibrillation management. While other medications may also play roles in overall atrial fibrillation treatment, they do not focus primarily on heart rate control in the same way that digoxin does. For instance, anticoagulants like warfarin are primarily used for stroke prevention, and aspirin is often employed for cardiovascular protection but does not affect heart rate. Statins are intended for cholesterol management and cardiovascular risk reduction, not for controlling heart rhythm. This specific targeting of heart rate control makes digoxin the preferred choice in many instances.