Echocardiogram is another important non-invasive diagnostic tool for AF. This test uses sound waves to produces an image of the heart and helps the cardiologist observe the different regions of the heart and assess their performance. [NIH]

Treatment for AF involves different approaches and may also be decided by the cardiologist depending on the nature of the AF. Paroxysmal AF, which lasts for a short duration (maximum few days) is usually treated with drugs that aim to control the sinus arrhythmia while cases of persistent AF maybe treated either for rhythm control or ventricular rate control. Drugs such as digoxin, (increases contraction and reduces rate) beta-blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol and calcium channel blockers such as verapamil are some of the avilable medications that try to improve the atrial refractory period to control AF. [Josephson, 2003]

Restoration of cardiac rhythm by means of electrical cardioversion is the most common intervention...
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