Atrial fibrillation ablation, stroke, and mortality: Evaluating the effects of therapy in the era of big data

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased stroke and mortality risk. The logical extension of this is that if AF is controlled or eliminated then patient outcomes with respect to stroke and mortality should improve. The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial1 comparing rate and rhythm control strategies unfortunately did not demonstrate an improvement in either of these end points in the rhythm control population. An interesting subanalysis of the AFFIRM trial2 did, however, indicate that patients who were in sinus rhythm more often at the time of their follow-up had a reduced mortality.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research