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Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine (2005) 2, 442-443
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0294  
Received 23 May 2005 | Accepted 15 July 2005

Cardiac dimensions and function in atrial fibrillation: how do rate and rhythm control compare?

Zayd A Eldadah* and S Adam Strickberger

Correspondence *Cardiac Arrhythmia Research, The Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, NW #5A-12 Washington DC 20010-2975 USA

Email
 zayd.eldadah@medstar.net

This article has no abstract so we have provided the first paragraph of the full text.

Multiple large trials, such as the AFFIRM, RACE, STAF and PIAF studies, have shown rate control to be comparable with strategies to maintain sinus rhythm in reducing morbidity and mortality in AF. Persistent AF, however, is associated with worsening left-ventricular function and chamber enlargement. Furthermore, these sequelae of AF have clinical consequences, as reduced left-ventricular function can lead to symptomatic heart failure, and atrial dilatation can increase the risk of stroke.

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