Figure 1. Flowchart of the enrollment and analysis of the study population (A) and initial choice of rhythm‐control treatments (B).

*Older than 75 years, had a previous transient ischemic attack or stroke, or met 2 of the following criteria: age >65 years, female sex, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, history of myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease. ^†Patients prescribed rhythm control drugs for >90 days or those who underwent ablation within the 180‐day period since the initiation of rate‐control drugs were classified as intention to treat with rhythm control. ^‡Ablations performed within 180 days after the initial prescription of rhythm‐control drugs were classified as initial choices for rhythm control. AF indicates atrial fibrillation.