Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Clinical outcomes following rhythm control for atrial fibrillation: is early better?
Agnieszka Kotalczyk1,2, Wern Yew Ding1, Dhiraj Gupta1
1Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Abstract:
Introduction: An integral aspect of atrial fibrillation (AF) management involves better symptom control, incorporating a rate control, rhythm control, or a combination strategy. The 2020 ESC Guidelines suggest that rhythm control strategy should be recommended for symptomatic patients, to mitigate their symptoms and improve the quality of life. However, adequately powered randomized control trials and prospective 'real-world' registries are needed to fully assess the impact of early rhythm control strategies on clinical outcomes in patients with AF.Objective: In this narrative review, we discuss clinical outcomes following rhythm management approach among patients with AF, considering the effectiveness of an early intervention strategy.Expert opinion: Patients involvement and shared decision-making are crucial when deciding the optimal management strategy among patients with AF. For those with newly diagnosed symptomatic AF, an early invasive approach such as catheter ablation may have a role in preventing AF progression and subsequent pathophysiological changes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

