Lenient Rate Control Versus Strict Rate Control for Atrial Fibrillation. The Danish Atrial Fibrillation (DanAF) Randomised Clinical Trial
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart arrhythmia with a prevalence of approximately 2% in the western world. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of death and morbidity. The comparable effects of a lenient rate control strategy and a strict rate control strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation are uncertain and only one trial has assessed this previously in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. The investigators will therefore undertake a randomised, superiority trial at four hospitals in Denmark.
• Participants with atrial fibrillation (ECG confirmed and diagnosed by the treatment provider) who at inclusion have either persistent (defined as atrial fibrillation for more than 7days) or permanent atrial fibrillation (only rate control is considered going forward).
• Rate control must be accepted as being the primary management strategy going forward. Consideration towards whether rhythm control is more appropriate must be considered, especially given the results of the Early treatment of Atrial fibrillation for Stroke prevention Trial (EAST).
• Informed consent.
• Adult (18 years or older).