Statistical analysis
Continuous variables were reported as mean and standard deviation and
categorical variables as absolute frequencies and percentages.
Between-group comparisons were performed with Student’s t-test or
Mann-Whitney test. The descriptive analysis involved baseline
characteristics of patients with rate and rhythm control strategy. The
comparative analyses among patients with rhythm control were made using
univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Statistically
significant variables in univariate logistic regression model were put
into multivariate logistic regression model to identify multivariable
predictors of the use of rhythm control in patients with paroxysmal AF
and of amiodarone use in the rhythm control group. Results are presented
as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A
two-sided p value of less than 0.05 was considered as
statistically significant. All analyses were calculated using SAS
software version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA).