Demographic and AF-related characteristics
Patients assigned to rhythm control were younger, less likely to be female and to have permanent AF than patients with rate control, (all p<0.05). The rhythm control group was more likely to have paroxysmal AF and shorter duration of AF history than patients with rate control, (both p<0.001). There were no significant differences in mean European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) symptom score, (p=0.979). Patients with rhythm control were more likely to have symptoms attributable to AF (as judged by responsible physician/investigator) including palpitations, whilst patients in rate control were more likely to have shortness of breath, (all p < 0.001), Table 1. Other variables are shown in Table 1.