Antiarrhythmic drug therapy: from guidelines to real clinical practice

Antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) remain effective therapeutic option in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and ventricular ectopic beats. Recent advances in catheter ablation include new sources of energy for tissue destruction and novel modalities in high-density 3D mapping systems. However, interventions are conducted in limited number of specialized centers and average success rate does not reach 100%. Contemporary clinical practice guidelines in management of both atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias recognize class Ic AADs as effective modality to prevent recurrent paroxysms and to suppress ectopic activity. The article reviews recent symposium «Modalities in antiarrhythmic drug therapy: from guidelines to daily practice» focused on indications, clinical pharmacology and monitoring of safety and effectiveness of class Ic AAD Ethacizine, relevant to daily cardiology practice.