Chloroquine for Patients With Symptomatic Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Pilot Study

This pilot study tests whether chloroquine (a drug originally developed to treat malaria) can help restore normal heart rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) — an irregular, often rapid heartbeat that lasts more than 7 days. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 years of age or older - You have been diagnosed with symptomatic persistent AFib (irregular heartbeat that lasts more than 7 days but less than 12 months) - Your AFib has been documented by an ECG or heart monitor at least once **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a history of certain eye conditions (retinal disease) - You have significant kidney or liver problems - You are taking certain medications that interact with chloroquine (such as some antibiotics or heart medications) - You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant - You have had a prior serious reaction to chloroquine Chloroquine has shown promise in lab studies for calming the electrical disturbances in the heart that cause AFib. Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.