In rate control of atrial fibrillation, what is a typical target heart rate?

In rate control of atrial fibrillation, what is a typical target heart rate?

• A. Less than 120 beats per minute
• B. Less than 80 beats per minute
• C. Less than 50 beats per minute
• D. Exactly 100 beats per minute

Answer: (B)

Rate control in atrial fibrillation aims to relieve symptoms and protect cardiac function by keeping the resting heart rate at a level that the heart can tolerate. A typical target is a resting heart rate under 80 beats per minute. This level helps improve diastolic filling and reduce tachycardia-related remodeling. While some patients with minimal symptoms or preserved heart function may be managed with a more lenient target (such as under 110 beats per minute), the commonly taught goal for standard rate control is less than 80. Values like 120 or 100 are either too permissive or not a fixed target, and a rate around 50 would risk bradycardia and insufficient perfusion.

Rate control in atrial fibrillation aims to relieve symptoms and protect cardiac function by keeping the resting heart rate at a level that the heart can tolerate. A typical target is a resting heart rate under 80 beats per minute. This level helps improve diastolic filling and reduce tachycardia-related remodeling. While some patients with minimal symptoms or preserved heart function may be managed with a more lenient target (such as under 110 beats per minute), the commonly taught goal for standard rate control is less than 80. Values like 120 or 100 are either too permissive or not a fixed target, and a rate around 50 would risk bradycardia and insufficient perfusion.