An important piece of the puzzle is to understand how genetic predispositions to atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke interact with early rhythm-control therapies. Early rhythm control involves antiarrhythmic drugs or atrial fibrillation ablation, as well as cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation, to be initiated early after randomization Research showed early rhythm control therapy significantly reduced the risk of a number of cardiovascular events in patients with AF across the spectrum of genetic risk for AF or stroke. This suggests that early rhythm-control therapies are effective regardless of an individual’s genetic predisposition and can be tailored to maximize benefit while ensuring safety. These findings provide further evidence that guided personalized medicine is transforming the way medics approach atrial fibrillation.

Research referred to in Brief

Image courtesy of interviewee