Classification of atrial fibrillation and therapeutic strategies
| Type | Duration and character | Therapeutic strategy* |
|---|---|---|
| *Oral anticoagulation or aspirin as needed on the basis of risk factors (table 3) or in case of cardioversion. AAD, antiarrhythmic drugs; VW, Vaughan Williams | ||
| First episode | ? | Conversion and prevention either with AAD or electrical cardioversion |
| Paroxysmal | < 48 hours, mostly spontaneous conversion (self terminating) | Conversion and prevention with VW class IC or III antiarrhythmic drugs. Rate control during arrhythmia |
| Persistent | >2–7 days, usually requires electrical cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm (non-self terminating) | Electrical cardioversion with/without antiarrhythmic drugs |
| Permanent | Restoration of sinus rhythm not feasible | Ventricular rate control |