The SMART-VERAPAF study investigates the effects of different heart rate-lowering medications in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). This heart rhythm disorder is associated with a large number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for cardioversions and ablations. In this study, patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF are randomized to treatment with heart rate reduction using verapamil or metoprolol, both licensed for this indication. In addition, in a subset of patients, the effect of centrally guided self-care using smartwatch data will be evaluated. The hypothesis is that both verapamil and guided self-care will lead to better heart rate control and fewer cardioversions and pulmonary vein ablations in patients with paroxysmal AF. This will also result in fewer hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and costs, as well as improved quality of life.
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The time to hospitalization for AF, cardioversion, or referral for pulmonary vein ablation
Timeframe: follow-up duration is at least 1 year after randomisation and can range from 1 to 3 years