A review of rate control in atrial fibrillation, and the rationale and protocol for the RATE-AF trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and causes impaired quality of life, an increased risk of stroke and death as well as frequent hospital admissions. The majority of patients with AF require control of heart rate. In this article , we summarise the limited evidence from clinical trials that guides prescription, and present the rationale and protocol for a new randomised trial. As rate control has not yet been shown to reduce mortality, there is a clear need to compare the impact of therapy on quality of life, cardiac function and exercise capacity. Such a trial should concentrate on the long-term effects of treatment in the largest proportion of patients with AF, those with symptomatic permanent AF, with the aim of improving patient well-being.

Design a

SUBMITTER: Kotecha D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5588987 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature