Edward Pritchett

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia are both common supraventricular arrhythmias. The former is more prevalent and gained some public notoriety when President Bush had an attack of atrial fibrillation in May, 1991. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation increases with aging; and as the U.S. population ages, patients with atrial fibrillation will become even more numerous. The research in this laboratory is directed at the clinical pharmacology of antiarrhythmic drugs used to treat atrial fibrillation. The overall goal of this research program is to develop a better understanding of the behavior of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia with the practical intent of developing better antiarrhythmic drug treatment strategies. Several research methods are used including ambulatory ECG recording techniques; pharmacokinetic studies; pharmacodynamic studies; controlled clinical trials; and computer simulations. This laboratory has been involved in the design and execution of numerous clinical trials of antiarrhythmic drug therapies including the compounds verapamil, diltiazem, flecainide, propafenone, moricizine, bidisomide and azimilide. This laboratory has made important contributions to developing new therapies for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and other supraventricular arrhythmias.

Key words: atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, antiarrhythmic drugs