title: Is there a role for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation?
abstract: Recent studies have indicated that outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation who are managed with rate control and anticoagulation are similar to those in patients who have maintenance of sinus rhythm. These studies did not include important groups of patients with atrial fibrillation in whom antiarrhythmic therapy may be appropriate. This perspective argues for the maintenance of sinus rhythm and for the use of antiarrhythmic therapy that includes medications, invasive procedures, and a combination of both in appropriate patients.
authors.affiliation: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zimetbaum
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Josephson
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants