Final answer:
For long-term management of atrial fibrillation without conversion to a normal rhythm, anticoagulation therapy is typically required to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient has atrial fibrillation (AFib) and there is no conversion to a normal heart rhythm for the long term, anticoagulation therapy is usually required. This is because AFib increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can then travel to other parts of the body, potentially causing a stroke. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin or the newer direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), are prescribed to reduce this risk. On the other hand, diuretics are commonly used to manage symptoms of heart failure by helping to eliminate excess fluid in the body. Beta-blockers are often prescribed to control the heart rate in AFib, but they do not prevent blood clot formation. Similarly, antiplatelet agents, like aspirin, are used to reduce the risk of clotting but are generally less effective than anticoagulants in AFib for stroke prevention.
Therefore, the correct answer to what is needed if there is no conversion of AFib for long term is a. Anticoagulation therapy.