Magnesium for Atrial Fibrillation Rate Control in the ED

Today’s pearl is a continuation of Pearl 42: Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED and reviews the role of magnesium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Does magnesium reduce HR? How much and how fast to administer?
Continue reading “Magnesium for Atrial Fibrillation Rate Control in the ED”

Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED

Today’s pearl highlights 5 main points related to the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Should you give a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker? What dose should you use?
Continue reading “Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED”

Low-dose vs. High-dose Magnesium in Rapid Afib

Magnesium sulfate has been used as an adjunct medication for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) due to its ability to lessen sinus node depolarization via calcium antagonism. Prior studies investigating magnesium in rapid AF administered varying dosages, often targeted post-surgical patients, and had small sample sizes. Dr. Bryan Hayes summarized previous studies on Academic Life in Emergency Medicine in 2016, focusing on IV magnesium for rate-control in ED-related settings and concluded it to be safe and moderately effective for reducing heart rate in rapid AF.

A new 2018 study by Bouida and colleagues aimed to determine the benefit of two different magnesium doses vs. placebo to control ventricular rate in ED patients with AF, when used with an AV nodal blocking agent.

Continue reading “Low-dose vs. High-dose Magnesium in Rapid Afib”