[Indications of atrial fibrillation regularization in 2001]

The regularisation of the first episode of atrial fibrillation should be attempted. In the case of the second episode, the indication of the regularisation should be discussed according to the data of age, tolerance, objective haemodynamic effect, adequation to the treatment and possibilities of antiarrhythmic treatment. In fact, the prognosis of a correctly treated patient (with anticoagulants and slowing drugs) remaining in atrial fibrillation, does not seem to differ from those of a patient in sinus rhythm receiving antiarrhythmic drugs.