Atrial fibrillation remains the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, and its 
incidence is increasing as the population ages. Common conditions associated 
with an increased incidence include advanced age, hypertension, heart failure, 
and valvular heart disease. Patients with atrial fibrillation may complain of 
palpitations, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance or may be completely 
asymptomatic. Options for treating patients who experience atrial fibrillation 
include rate-controlling drugs such as digoxin, β-blockers, and calcium channel 
blockers or a rhythm-controlling strategy with agents such as sodium channel 
blockers and potassium channel blockers. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk 
of stroke due to atrial thrombus formation and embolization. Anticoagulation 
with the vitamin K antagonist, warfarin, remains the most widely prescribed 
treatment option to decrease stroke risk. Several other antithrombotic agents 
have recently become available and offer excellent alternatives to warfarin. 
Catheter ablation can be undertaken as a nonpharmacologic rhythm control option 
with varying degrees of success depending on duration of atrial fibrillation and 
follow-up time from the procedure. This review article further describes the 
management options for patients presenting with atrial fibrillation.