Cardiovascular
Atrial Fibrillation
May 2000
Clinical Focus*
- Which patients with new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) should receive attempts at cardioversion and which should receive only conservative treatment with rate control and thromboembolism prophylaxis?
- What is the efficacy of electrical cardioversion alone compared with antiarrhythmic therapy alone compared with both together for patients with new onset AF?
- What are the risks and benefits of each of the antiarrhythmic agents used for conversion of AF and/or the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion?
- What types of therapy for AF can safely be given in an outpatient setting rather than in an inpatient setting?
- What is the diagnostic value of tests (e.g., transesophageal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography) that can be used in the evaluation of patients with new onset AF?
- How do various pharmacological agents differ in controlling ventricular rate in patients with AF?
- How does anticoagulation compare with aspirin in preventing thromboembolism in patients with AF?
*Addressed in the summary or evidence report.
Management of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Summary (Publication No. 00-E006, May 2000)
Evidence Report (Publication No. 01-E026, January 2001)
(File Download)
Selected Publications
EPC: Johns Hopkins University
Topic Nominator: American Academy of Family Physicians
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