Despite multiple trials comparing rate with rhythm control, there is no consensus on optimal management of first-detected atrial fibrillation (AF).
We analyzed current patterns of care for first-detected AF in the nationwide Get With The Guidelines®- Atrial Fibrillation Registry METHODS: Patients hospitalized with first-detected AF from 2013-19 were included and a descriptive analysis was performed comparing planned rate vs rhythm control. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for choosing rhythm over rate control.
Among 86,759 patients with AF, 17.8% (15,473) had first-detected AF, 11,685 patients were included from 126 sites. Overall, 51.3% of patients were treated with rate control, and 48.7% with rhythm control at admission. Patients with planned rhythm control had a shorter length of stay and were more likely to be discharged home than a facility. A higher percentage of patients with planned rhythm control were discharged on anticoagulation compared to planned rate control (75.6% vs 70.9%) despite a higher underlying stroke risk in the rate control group (higher median CHA2DS2VASc-score (4; Q1-Q3 2-5 vs 3; Q1-Q32-4; p70 years, and liver disease decreased the likelihood of rhythm control, factors like heart failure, stroke, or prior bleeding diathesis had no association with the chosen treatment strategy.
Less than half of the patients with first-detected AF receive rhythm control at admission. Given recent trial results, further studies should assess the long-term impact of rhythm control on patients’ symptoms and quality of life, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality.

Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Author