TY - GEN ID - cogprints4596 UR - http://cogprints.org/4596/ A1 - L, Testa A1 - G, Trotta A1 - A, Dello Russo A1 - M, Casella A1 - G, Pelargonio A1 - F, Andreotti A1 - F, Bellocci Y1 - 2005/10// N2 - Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained rhythm disturbance and its prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the progressive aging of the population. Current guidelines clearly depict the gold standard management of acute symptomatic atrial fibrillation but the best-long term approach for first or recurrent atrial fibrillation is still debated with regard to quality of life, risk of new hospitalizations, and possible disabling complications, such as thromboembolic stroke, major bleeds and death. Some authors propose that regaining sinus rhythm in all cases, thus re-establishing a physiologic cardiac function not requiring a prolonged antithrombotic therapy, avoids the threat of intracranial or extracranial haemorrhages due to Vitamin K antagonists or aspirin. On the contrary, advocates of a rate control approach with an accurate antithrombotic prophylaxis propose that such a strategy may avoid the risk of cardiovascular and non cardiovascular side effects related to antiarrhythmic drugs. This review aims to explore the state of our knowledge in order to summarize evidences and issues that need to be furthermore clarified. PB - Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Group KW - atrial fibrillation KW - rate control KW - rhythm control KW - secondary prevention TI - Rate-Control or Rhythm-Contol: Where do we stand? SP - 296 AV - public EP - 305 ER -