Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A common but neglected entity

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation constitutes over 40% of all atrial fibrillation cases.
• Management of this condition is underrepresented in medical literature.
• Recent large-scale trials have often excluded patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence and underrepresentation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation management in medical literature.
• To review existing limited data regarding treatment strategies for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies and clinical trials.
• Analysis of data from prospective trials that included or excluded paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients.

Main Results:

• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a highly prevalent condition.
• There is a significant gap in dedicated research and literature concerning its management.
• Limited available data indicate similar treatment approaches may be applicable as for chronic atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions:

• Despite its high prevalence, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation management requires more attention.
• Treatment strategies for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation should be considered comparable to chronic atrial fibrillation based on current limited evidence.