TY - JOUR T1 - Rate and rhythm control have comparable effects on mortality and stroke in atrial fibrillation but better data are needed JF - Evidence Based Medicine JO - Evid Based Med SP - 222 LP - 223 DO - 10.1136/ebmed-2014-110062 VL - 19 IS - 6 AU - Dipak Kotecha AU - Paul Kirchhof Y1 - 2014/12/01 UR - http://ebm.bmj.com/content/19/6/222.abstract N2 - Commentary on: Al-Khatib SM, Allen LaPointe NM, Chatterjee R, et al. Rate- and rhythm-control therapies in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med 2014;160:760–73.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a large and growing burden on cardiovascular healthcare and leads to a substantial impact on quality-of-life, increased cardiovascular events and a doubling of hospitalisation and death rates.1 Unlike many other cardiac conditions, the evidence base for treatment in AF remains patchy with clear gaps relating to a number of clinically important management strategies. Current practice involves three major elements: anticoagulation to prevent stroke or systemic embolism, medications to control heart rate and a decision on whether to restore and maintain sinus rhythm. This systematic review and meta-analysis of tabular data addresses the benefits and risks of adding rhythm control to rate control therapy, considers the preferential method … ER -