Tina discusses the following rhythm control medications for atrial fibrillation: - Class 3 antiarrhythmics: blocks potassium channels and prolongs action potential duration Amiodarone Dronedarone Sotalol -

Tina discusses the following rate control medications for atrial fibrillation: - Beta blockers Bisoprolol Metoprolol Atenolol - Calcium channel blockers (non-dihydropyridines) verapamil diltiazem - Digoxin -   References:

The CHADS2 and HAS-BLED predictive index are useful in assessing a patient’s thromboembolic risk and in predicting which antithrombotic therapy is most suitable; and that is either aspirin, clopidogrel, or anticoagulants. The 3 new anticoagulants may be

Canadian Cardiovascular Society Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines 2010: Etiology and Initial Investigations http://www.onlinecjc.ca/article/S0828-282X(10)00016-4/fulltext CHADS2 Score http://www.mdcalc.com/chads2-score-for-atrial-fibrillation-stroke-r

We explore pieces of important evidence that offer a contrasting view on lipid control from the national guidelines. We are also introducing a new EBM resource available to CMA members: InfoPOEMs, which highlights clinical studies that the editorial team

We return to the topic of dyslipidemia and examined the: "2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults" http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2013/11/11/01.cir.0000437738.63853.7

We reviewed some evidence on the treatment of hypertension that are contradictory to the CHEP 2013 guidelines summarized in our previous episodes. Salt restriction for hypertension CHEP 2013: 1500 mg of sodium per day is recommended for adults age 50 yea

Tina revisits ACEI, ARB, BB, and Thiazides, which were covered previously with the hypertension episodes, and introduces a few new medications as well: Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists: spironolactone and eplerenone Loop diuretic: furosemide Dig

We turned our attention to chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and reviewed "The 2012 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Heart Failure Management Guidelines Update". National Institute of Health provided a great summary on CHF for patients and the public

Classes of insulin and different treatment regimens are discussed in the third episode of a 3-part series on diabetes. This episode also marks the conclusion of our coverage of the "Big Three" of modern medicine (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes),