Drug-induced atrial fibrillation associated with admission of cardiovascular medications
Admission of certain medications (drugs) can cause the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients having non-evident cardiovascular disease (CVD). Also, it can accelerate the onset of AF in patients with pre-existing CVD. It is important to realize medications as potential cause of AF, especially in elderly people, since aging is associated with comorbidity and use of many medications simultaneously, that can lead to higher incidence of drug-induced AF (DI AF). The article provides literature review on medications used to treat CVD, the admission of which can lead to the development of DI AF. Its onset can be associated with the use of cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic and antianginal medications, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, antiplatelet agents and some others with different evidence levels. The frequency, mechanisms of DI AF development and methods for its correction are described.