Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs Don't Do It All
(HealthScoutNews, 4/3/03)

According to the findings of Dr. David G. Sherman of the University of Texas Health Science Center, anti-arrhythmic drugs do not prevent strokes. Dr. Sherman tracked 4,080 people with heart rhythm disorders who were participants in a 6-year study entitled Atrial Fibrilation Followup Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM). All of the subjects took warfarin to thin their blood. Some were also given anti-arrhythmic drugs to stabilize their heart beats; while others were assigned to "rate regulation," a simpler alternative therapy. The results of the trial showed a 70% decrease in stroke rates associated with the thinning agent, but no preventative effect from the anti-rhythmic drug.