CHAPTER 35 RHYTHM CONTROL IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: THE AFFIRM TRIAL

A Comparison of Rate Control and Rhythm Control in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Wyse DG, Waldo AL, DiMarco JP, et al. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:1825–1833

BACKGROUND

The management of atrial fibrillation has centered around two main strategies–rate control that allowed atrial fibrillation to persist or rhythm control with prompt return to normal sinus rhythm via cardioversion or the use of antiarrhythmic drugs. Until this study, no large scale comparative trials of these two strategies existed.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the long-term effects of rate vs. rhythm control for patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Randomized, controlled trial conducted across 213 clinic sites within the University of Washington.

Participants

4,060 patients, >65 years old, with atrial fibrillation likely to be recurrent and likely to cause illness or death. Inclusion criteria: Long treatment for atrial fibrillation was indicated, anticoagulation was not contraindicated, the patient was eligible to undergo trials of at least two drugs in both treatment strategies.

Related posts:

Oral vs. IV Rehydration Spontaneous Ureteral Stone Passage Heparinizing Unstable Angina Amiodarone in Ventricular Fibrillation Early Goal-directed Therapy in Sepsis Risk of Serious Bacterial Infection in Febrile Infants with RSV

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join