Table 3 Factors favouring rate versus rhythm control
FAVOURING RATE CONTROLFAVOURING RHYTHM CONTROL
Persistent AFParoxysmal AF or newly detected AF
Less symptomaticMore symptomatic
Age ≥ 65 yAge < 65 y
HypertensionNo hypertension
No history of HFHF clearly exacerbated by AF
Previous failure of antiarrhythmic drugNo previous failure of antiarrhythmic drug
Patient preferencePatient preference

  • AF–atrial fibrillation, HF–heart failure.

  • Data from Gillis et al.1