الفهرس 
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common chronic type of arrhythmia. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the adult population is 4% and rises with age from 0.5% in patients 25 to 35 years of age to 5% in patients 69 years of age (Benjamin., 1998).
The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation should be considered in elderly patients who present with complaints of shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations. The arrhythmia should also be suspected in patients with acute fatigue or exacerbation of congestive heart failure (Li H., 1998).
In some patients, atrial fibrillation may be identified on the basis of an irregularly irregular pulse or an electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained for the evaluation of another condition (Li H., 1998).
Cardiac conditions commonly associated with the development of atrial fibrillation include rheumatic mitral valve disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Noncardiac conditions that can predispose patients to develop atrial fibrillation include hyperthyroidism, hypoxia, alcohol intoxication & surgery (Evid Rep., 2000).
The treatment objectives for atrial fibrillation include ventricular rate control, conversion to sinus rhythm, maintenance of sinus rhythm, and prevention of thromboembolic events (Mackstaller., 1997).
In our clinical trial we studied the efficacy of two drug regimen for rate control added to digoxin in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. The first group (Group I) included 20 patients who received digoxin and atenolol 50-100mg. and the second group (Group II) included 20 patients who received digoxin and verapamil 240 mg sustained release once daily.