Cleveland Clinic Journal of MedicineAtrial Fibrillation: Rate Control or Rhythm Control?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be managed by either a rate control or a rhythm control strategy. Data as to whether rate control or a rhythm control provides better clinical outcomes have been mixed. Therefore, even if direct evidence from randomized clinical trials is lacking in many types of patients, given the unpredictable long-term adverse effects of atrial fibrillation, rhythm control is generally the goal.