Early atrial fibrillation rhythm control after stroke

Abstract

In patients with atrial fibrillation, attempts to restore and maintain sinus rhythm are generally made when arrhythmia is symptomatic. The primary analysis of the EAST-AFNET 4 trial showed a significant decrease in cardiovascular mortality and stroke with early rhythm control compared with usual care in patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed in the previous 12 months.1 This finding corroborates a recent meta-analysis.2 In patients with atrial fibrillation and a history of stroke, however, the benefit of rhythm therapy is less certain.