Figure 1.

Timeline of landmark trials in atrial fibrillation management on active rhythm management (left) and stroke prevention (right) from 2000 until today. The studies are colour-coded based on their size (from light to dark: <1000, 1000–10 000, and >10 000 participants), and ongoing studies are shown in orange. AAD, antiarrhythmic drugs; AF, atrial fibrillation; CA, catheter ablation; CV, cardiovascular; ECV, electrical cardioversion; ED, emergency department; HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; Htx, heart transplantation; LAAO, left atrial appendage occlusion; OMT, optimal medical treatment; NOACs, novel oral anticoagulant drugs; PVI, pulmonary vein isolation; VKA, vitamin K antagonist.