Table 1.

Atrial fibrillation definitions

AF episode	An AF episode is defined as AF that is documented by ECG monitoring or intracardiac electrogram monitoring and has a duration of at least 30 seconds, or if less than 30 seconds, is present throughout the ECG monitoring tracing. The presence of subsequent episodes of AF requires that sinus rhythm be documented by ECG monitoring between AF episodes.
Chronic AF	Chronic AF has variable definitions and should not be used to describe populations of AF patients undergoing AF ablation.
Early persistent AF	Early persistent AF is defined as AF that is sustained beyond 7 days but is less than 3 months in duration.
Lone AF	Lone AF is a historical descriptor that is potentially confusing and should not be used to describe populations of patients with AF undergoing AF ablation.
Long-standing persistent AF	Long-standing persistent AF is defined as continuous AF of greater than 12 months’ duration.
Paroxysmal AF	Paroxysmal AF is defined as AF that terminates spontaneously or with intervention within 7 days of onset.
Permanent AF	Permanent AF is defined as the presence of AF that is accepted by the patient and physician, and for which no further attempts to restore or maintain sinus rhythm will be undertaken. The term permanent AF represents a therapeutic attitude on the part of the patient and physician rather than an inherent pathophysiological attribute of AF. The term permanent AF should not be used within the context of a rhythm control strategy with antiarrhythmic drug therapy or AF ablation.
Persistent AF	Persistent AF is defined as continuous AF that is sustained beyond 7 days.
Silent AF	Silent AF is defined as asymptomatic AF diagnosed with an opportune ECG or rhythm strip.

AF = atrial fibrillation; ECG = electrocardiogram.