When is a rhythm control strategy appropriate? Which patients are candidates for amiodarone? When is AF ablation the answer? Here, a top-line review of rhythm control for atrial fibrillation.
The pendulum for management of atrial fibrillation continues to swing away from universal rate control as the primary strategy to achieving rhythm control for an increasing number of patients. At the same time, there are more treatment options available to achieve rhythm control. These 5 slides offer a quick top-line review of pharmacologic and procedural choices and when they apply.
January CT, Wann LS, Calkins H, et al. 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Executive Summary. A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:2246-2280. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2014.03.021.
2. Calkins H, Kuck KH, Cappato R, et al. 2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design. Europace. 2012;14:528-606. [Epub 2012 Mar 1]. doi:10.1093/europace/eus027.