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Atrial fibrillation—rate or rhythm control?

Where are we now, what is to come?

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Clinical Research in Cardiology Supplements Aims and scope

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for cardiac mortality. The main causes of hemodynamic impairment are the loss of atrial contribution and the development of tachycardiomyopathy. Therefore, the therapeutic aim should be rhythm control or rate control. The results of large trials, e.g., AFFIRM study, suggested that rate control is as good as rhythm control. Considering the limitations of these studies and the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs and interventional techniques, a re-evaluation of either rhythm or rate control as the therapeutic aim is necessary. New techniques and drugs offer the opportunity to restore sinus rhythm, so that in the future rhythm control will be preferable.

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  1. Medizinische Klinik 3 – Kardiologie, Angiologie, Intensivmedizin, St. Vincentius Kliniken, Südendstr. 32, 76137, Karlsruhe, Germany

    Bernd-Dieter Gonska MD, PhD

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Correspondence to Bernd-Dieter Gonska MD, PhD.

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Gonska, BD. Atrial fibrillation—rate or rhythm control?. Clin Res Cardiol Suppl 5 (Suppl 1), 11–15 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11789-010-0006-y

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