Table 25.

The 5‐Step Plan for Acute and Chronic Management of Patients With First‐Diagnosed AF

Step	Contents	Objectives	Benefit for patients
1. Acute rate and rhythm control	Emergency cardioversion, acute rate control	Hemodynamic stability	Improved QOL, autonomy, social functioning Improved life expectancy
2. Manage precipitating factors	Improvement of lifestyle, treatment of underlying cardiovascular diseases	Cardiovascular risk reduction	Improved QOL, autonomy, social functioning Improved life expectancy
3. Assess stroke risk	Oral anticoagulation in patients at risk for stroke	Stroke prevention	Improved QOL, autonomy, social functioning Improved life expectancy
4. Assess heart rate	Rate control therapy	Symptom improvement, preservation of LV function	Improved QOL, autonomy, social functioning Improved life expectancy
5. Assess symptoms	Antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversion, catheter ablation, AF surgery	Symptom improvement	Improved QOL, autonomy, social functioning Improved life expectancy (Catheter ablation in AF patients associated with heart failure)

Abbreviation: AF, atrial fibrillation; LV, left ventricular; QOL, quality of life.