Atrial fibrillation affects approximately 2.2% of the general population in Australia and is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. It is an independent risk factor for stroke and is associated with heart failure and increased mortality.^1,2

The long-term management of this condition encompasses prevention of thromboembolic events, improvement of symptoms and management of comorbidities and lifestyle risk factors.³

Specifically, the European Society of Cardiology and National Heart Foundation of Australia recommend the strategies outlined in box 1 to reduce progression and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).^3-5

Pharmacological rate control agents are recommended to achieve a target heart rate of less than 110 at rest initially and less than 80 when there are persistent symptoms or presence of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (see figure 1).³