A 72-year-old female presents with palpitations and shortness of breath. EKG shows atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 140 bpm. She is hemodynamically stable with a blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg and no signs of acute heart failure. What is the most appropriate initial medication to control her heart rate?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
For hemodynamically stable patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, intravenous beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem) are the preferred initial agents for rate control.