Questioning Medicine

ACC/AHA just came out with new guidelines on AFIB if you need some light reading material! (big take home rhythm not rate, and not equal, read below for more information) A HUGE piece of new is that now ablation is the cool kid on the block!!More recent information has shown that ablation for AF is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs for both persistent and paroxysmal AF and that earlier implementation of rhythm control strategies is an important factor for improving AF ablation success rates I know we use to be all about rhythm and rate control are ‘equal’ and don’t worry the guidelines still say, “Although selection of a rhythm-control therapy within a year of AF diagnosis may be considered to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, early rate control may still be appropriate.” (aka you can do it acutely but that is only to get a hold of the acute situation)  BUT Catheter ablation of AF is now a strong class 1 recommendation—FIRST LINE in selected patients which includes those with heart fa