Treatment Targets in Atrial Fibrillation

“Is Feeling Better Good Enough?”^⁎⁎

Clinical Research: January 2013

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia necessitating medical therapy. The majority of AF patients have associated cardiovascular comorbidities that increase the risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes, including excess morbidity, hospitalizations, and mortality ((1),2). Data assessing a disease management strategy of rate versus rhythm control have produced clear variations when viewed from a real-world clinical perspective ((3),(4),(5),6). These data emphasize that the treatment of AF involves 3 nonmutually exclusive principles: 1) prevention of stroke and systemic embolism; 2) ventricular rate control during AF; and 3) rhythm control in selected patients. However, with the exception of recommendations for antithrombotic therapy in AF patients with risk factors for stroke, the decision to implement a strategy of rate or rhythm control is variable and controversial. Read More