Observation on the efficacy of intravenous esmolol and amiodarone for the treatment of ventricular rate in the patients with rapid atrial fibrillation

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous esmolol and amiodarone for the treatment of ventricular rate in the patients with rapid atrial fibrillation Methods 8 patients with rapid atrial fibrillation,ventricular rate≥120 beats/minute,cardiac function from two grade to four,were randomly divided into two groups The two groups were intravenously administered esmolol and amiodarone,respectively Results The total efficacy of controlling rapid ventricular rate in the patients with atrial fibrillation was 82 1% and 84 6% in esmolol group and amiodarone group. Ventricular rate decreased by 44% and 40%. The mean response time was 8±3 1 minutes and 24 6±8 2 minutes,respectively In esmolol group,one patient developed symptomatic hypotension,and one had bradycardia without worsening of congestive heart failure Conclusion Esmolol is safe and rapid in treatment of rapid ventricular rate in the patients with atrial fibrillation [