Which of the following is a first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that often requires management to prevent complications such as stroke and heart failure. In the context of treating AF, a first-line treatment generally refers to an effective approach to either rate control, rhythm control, or anticoagulation.

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that is particularly useful for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation. It works by prolonging the action potential and refractory period in cardiac tissue, which helps restore and maintain normal sinus rhythm in patients with AF. Amiodarone can be used effectively in both acute and chronic settings of atrial fibrillation, especially when patients have failed other antiarrhythmic drug therapies or in situations where rapid control of the arrhythmia is necessary.

Other options, while relevant in the context of atrial fibrillation management, do not serve as the first-line treatment for rhythm control:

• Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent thromboembolic events associated with atrial fibrillation, but it does not address the arrhythmia itself.

• Digoxin is primarily used for rate control in certain patients, particularly those with heart failure or in cases where beta-blockers cannot be used;