Investigation of the Optimal Treatment Strategy for Atrial Fibrillation in Japan -The J-RHYTHM (Japanese Rhythm Management Trial for Atrial Fibrillation) Study-

INTERVENTION: Rhythm Control Group:Antiarrhythmic drugs will be selected on the basis of Heart Rate Control Group:The target heart rate is 60‐80 beats/min at rest.Patients will receive digitalis,Ca antagonists(excluding bepridil),or b‐blockers as required, selected on the basis of the patient's clinical. CONDITION: Atrial Fibrillation PRIMARY OUTCOME: Primary end‐point(composite end‐point):total mortality,symptomatic cerebral infarction,systemic embolism,major bleeding,hospitalization for heart failure requiring intravenous administration of diuretics,or physical/psychological disablement requiring discontinuation of the assigned therapeutic strategy. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Secondary end‐point:patient QOL scores and the efficacy and safety of drugs required in the AF treatment. INCLUSION CRITERIA: INCLUSION CRITERIA:paroxysmal AF and persistent AF. Paroxysmal AF is defined as AF in which spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm is expected within less than 48 hours of onset. Persistent AF is defined as AF that persists for more than 48 hours and less than 1 year after onset.