Which medication class is an alternative for rate control in stable atrial fibrillation aside from beta blockers?

The correct answer is non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, which are effective alternatives for rate control in stable atrial fibrillation. This class of medications, which includes agents like diltiazem and verapamil, works by inhibiting calcium influx in cardiac muscle and conducting tissues. As a result, they slow down the conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node and decrease heart rate, similar to beta blockers.

In the context of stable atrial fibrillation, adequate rate control is critical to prevent complications such as heart failure and to improve patient symptoms. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers have a unique mechanism that can be particularly useful in patients who may not tolerate beta blockers due to respiratory issues like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While other classes of medications may play roles in the management of atrial fibrillation—such as diuretics in the management of volume status or ACE inhibitors for blood pressure control—they do not directly provide the same level of rate control. Thrombolytics are not used for rate control; they are intended for the treatment of acute thrombosis, such as in the case of myocardial infarction, and should not be used in patients with atrial