Abstract
The AFFIRM study showed no clear survival advantage for a rhythm versus rate control strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, rhythm control with antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) is appropriate in a large number of patients with AF. The American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association/European Society of Cardiology AF management guidelines include a safety-based algorithm for selection of AAD therapy. Class 1C agents are recommended as first-line therapy in patients without or with minimal structural heart disease. However, market research and clinical study data indicate a growing use of class III agents (mainly amiodarone) despite long-term safety and tolerability concerns, suggesting that clinical practice does not adhere to current guidelines.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 97-102 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Clinical Cardiology |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2006 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine