Which medication class is considered the agent of choice for multifocal atrial tachycardia?

The preferred medication class for managing multifocal atrial tachycardia is calcium channel blockers. This condition is characterized by multiple ectopic foci in the atria, leading to an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem or verapamil, work by inhibiting calcium influx into the cardiac muscle and conducting tissue, which helps to slow down the atrioventricular conduction and therefore reduces the heart rate.

In addition to their effect on heart rate, calcium channel blockers can have beneficial effects on the myocardial oxygen demand and may help with coronary artery dilation. This can be particularly important in patients who may also have underlying coronary artery disease.

Other medication classes might be useful in different arrhythmias or situations, but they do not specifically target the mechanisms underlying multifocal atrial tachycardia with the same efficacy as calcium channel blockers.