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Home › Conditions › Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

Part of Cardiac arrhythmias

Subtypes of Atrial Fibrillation

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation 5 Persistent Atrial Fibrillation 5 Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation 4 Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation 1 Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation 1 Valvular heart disease-associated atrial fibrillation 1

101 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Atrial Fibrillation

323 trials tracked for Atrial Fibrillation: 82 in phase 3 or 4 and 25 with published results. The most-cited published study has 669 citations.

323Trials tracked
82Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
25With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 35 Phase 3 47 Phase 2 28 Phase 1 2 Other / NA 211
  1. Phase 3 Edoxaban Treatment Versus Vitamin K Antagonist in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Completed · 669 cited
  2. Phase 3 First Line Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment (The RAAFT Study) Completed · 666 cited
  3. Phase 4 PV-Isolation With the Cryoballoon Versus RF:a Randomized Controlled Prospective Non-inferiority Trial (FreezeAF) Completed · 475 cited
  4. Phase 4 Uninterrupted Dabigatran Etexilate in Comparison to Uninterrupted Warfarin in Pulmonary Vein Ablation (RE-CIRCUIT) Completed · 437 cited
  5. Phase 3 Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 356 cited
  6. Phase 3 Edoxaban Compared to Standard Care After Heart Valve Replacement Using a Catheter in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (ENVISAGE-TAVI AF) Completed · 265 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Edoxaban vs. Warfarin in Subjects Undergoing Cardioversion of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) Completed · 246 cited
  2. Phase 3 Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Prevention of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 231 cited
  3. Phase 4 Trial to Evaluate Anticoagulation Therapy in Hemodialysis Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 226 cited
  4. Phase 4 Study Of The Blood Thinner, Apixaban, For Patients Who Have An Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation) And Expected To Have Treatment To Put Them Back Into A Normal Heart Rhythm (Cardioversion) Completed · 172 cited
  5. Phase 3 Evaluation of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Versus Long Term Warfarin Therapy Completed · 130 cited
  6. Phase 3 A Study Exploring Two Strategies of Rivaroxaban (JNJ39039039; BAY-59-7939) and One of Oral Vitamin K Antagonist in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Completed · 77 cited
  7. Phase 4 Fish Oil for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery Completed · 66 cited
  8. Phase 4 Apixaban Evaluation of Interrupted Or Uninterrupted Anticoagulation for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 63 cited
  9. Phase 4 Apixaban Versus Warfarin in the Evaluation of Progression of Atherosclerotic Calcification and Vulnerable Plaque Completed · 45 cited
  10. Phase 3 Apixaban for Early Prevention of Recurrent Embolic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Transformation Completed · 31 cited
  11. Phase 3 Study of DU-176b Aged 80 Years or Older Completed · 27 cited
  12. Phase 3 Evaluation of Dual Therapy With Dabigatran vs. Triple Therapy With Warfarin in Patients With AF That Undergo a PCI With Stenting (REDUAL-PCI) Completed · 24 cited
  13. Phase 4 Pharmacodynamic Effects of Low-dose Rivaroxaban With Antiplatelet Therapies Completed · 23 cited
  14. Phase 3 Adenosine Effect on Persistent Pulmonary Vein Isolation Line Evaluation (APPLE Trial) Completed · 18 cited
  15. Phase 4 Pradaxa Study in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Severely Impaired Renal Function Completed · 15 cited
  16. Phase 3 Edoxaban Treatment Versus Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Undergoing Catheter Ablation Completed · 12 cited
  17. Phase 3 Rivaroxaban vs. Warfarin for Post Cardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 9 cited
  18. Phase 4 Comparison of Bolus Dosing of Methohexital and Propofol in Elective Direct Current Cardioversion Completed · 4 cited
  19. Phase 3 Safety and Effectiveness Evaluation of the Multi-Electrode Radiofrequency Balloon Catheter for the Treatment of Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  20. Phase 4 Post-Market Clinical Study of the CardioFocus Endoscopic Ablation System - Adaptive Contact (CF-EAS-AC) for the Treatment of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  21. Phase 4 Left Atrial Mechanical Function Improvement After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Completed
  22. Phase 4 Oral Steroids Before Pulmonary Vein Isolation to Improve Outcomes Completed
  23. Phase 4 Use of Dabigatran Etexilate to Prevent Stroke and Thromboembolism Completed
  24. Phase 4 SMART China, A Multi-center Clinical Registry Study Completed
  25. Phase 4 Use of Protamine for Heparin Reversal After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  26. Phase 4 Efficacy of Optison Echo Contrast to Detect Thrombus in Left Atrial Appendage Completed
  27. Phase 4 Corticosteroid Pulse After Ablation Completed
  28. Phase 4 Use of Dapagliflozin to Reduce Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  29. Phase 4 Effect of Oral and Intravenous Diltiazem Protocol for Emergency Department Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  30. Phase 4 Efficacy of Short Term Dabigatran Etexilate Followed by Aspirin Monotherapy After LAA (Left Atrial Appendage) Device Closure (the DEA-LAA Study). Completed
  31. Phase 4 The Use of Statins Following a Left Atrial Catheter Ablation Procedure to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  32. Phase 4 Atrial Fibrillation Without Hemodynamic Instability in the Intensive Care Unit Completed
  33. Phase 4 Electrophysiologically Guided PAcing Site Selection Study Completed
  34. Phase 4 Concentrations of Amiodarone in Fat Tissue During Chronic Treatment Completed
  35. Phase 4 Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Following Esophagectomy Completed
  36. Phase 4 The Home INR Study Completed
  37. Phase 4 A Prospective, Open Label Study Evaluating Two Management Strategies on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients Newly on Treatment With Pradaxa for the Prevention of Stroke and Systemic Embolism With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  38. Phase 4 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Oil Supplements at Reducing the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  39. Phase 4 MINERVA: MINimizE Right Ventricular Pacing to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure Completed
  40. Phase 4 The Use of Dual Chamber ICD With Special Programmed Features to Lower the Risk of Inappropriate Shock Completed
  41. Phase 4 Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Following Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery Completed
  42. Phase 4 Selective Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms (CFAE) Targeting for Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  43. Phase 4 Rhythm Evaluation for AntiCoagulaTion With COntinuous Monitoring Completed
  44. Phase 4 Comparison of Warfarin Dosing Using Decision Model Versus Pharmacogenetic Algorithm Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 323 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Atrial Fibrillation: what the trials found

Newer evidence indicates that Rivaroxaban is associated with specific patient perception scores regarding anticoagulant treatment 1. In terms of procedural outcomes, PV-Isolation RF demonstrated high success rates for the combined endpoint of absence of atrial arrhythmias and absence of persistent complications at both six and twelve months post-procedure 10.

Comparative studies on anticoagulants show that Warfarin was associated with a significantly higher incidence of ISTH major bleeding events compared to other cohorts (p=0.0009) 11. Apixaban has been evaluated across multiple trials; it showed no significant difference in ISTH major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding compared to specific controls (p=0.321 and p=0.6851, respectively) [12, 13], and was associated with a lower rate of acute stroke events in one study (p=0.0151) 13.

Specific pharmacological interventions show varied results: Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg was linked to significant differences in thrombin generation (p<0.001) while showing no significant difference in platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity or platelet aggregation 17. Dapagliflozin was associated with a lower mean percentage of time spent in atrial fibrillation and higher quality of life scores compared to another cohort 22. Omega Three Polyunsaturated fatty acids were associated with significantly fewer cases of postoperative atrial fibrillation (p<0.01) 14.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • OMNYPULSE Bi-Directional Catheter with TRUPULSE Generator reported 100% acute effectiveness success and 0% primary adverse events 5.
  • A large-scale study on non-valvular AF patients not exposed to OAC showed varying HAS-BLED scores (2.26 vs 2.5) and different annual prevalence rates across various CHA2DS2-VASc categories 9.
  • New-prescription Alerts showed higher proportions of addressed notifications within 7 days in the DOAC Alert conditions compared to existing-prescription conditions 4.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • PV-Isolation RF shows high efficacy for maintaining rhythm and avoiding complications at 6 and 12 months 10.
  • Apixaban demonstrated a lower incidence of acute stroke events compared to the comparison group (p=0.0151) 13.
  • Warfarin was associated with significantly higher major bleeding rates than the comparator in specific study conditions 11.

AI synthesis of 10 cited trials, updated Jun 21, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Meta-analysis suggests idarucizumab-enabled thrombolysis is feasible for dabigatran-treated stroke patients after AF ablation
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis suggests idarucizumab-enabled thrombolysis is feasible for dabigatran-treated stroke patients after AF ablation Reversing blood thinners may allow stroke treatment with good safety and recovery
This meta-analysis and case report review examines idarucizumab-enabled intravenous thrombolysis in dabigatran-treated patients with peripro…
Reversing dabigatran before stroke treatment appears safe, showing low bleeding and death rates with recovery similar to standard care.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Intraprocedural atrial tachycardia incidence and 12-month outcomes after RFCA for paroxysmal AF
Cardiology Cohort
Intraprocedural atrial tachycardia incidence and 12-month outcomes after RFCA for paroxysmal AF Patients with atrial tachycardia during ablation have similar long-term rhythm success to others
This single-center prospective cohort study of 255 patients undergoing RFCA for paroxysmal AF found an intraprocedural atrial tachycardia in…
Atrial tachycardia found during heart rhythm procedures does not predict worse long-term outcomes for patients undergoing treatment for paro…
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Thyroid dysfunction and atrial fibrillation risk in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients
Diabetes & Endocrinology Cohort
Thyroid dysfunction and atrial fibrillation risk in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients Thyroid Levels May Predict Heart Rhythm Problems in a Common Heart Condition
This observational cohort study of 755 HOCM patients examined the association between thyroid dysfunction and atrial fibrillation risk.
Monitoring thyroid function could become a simple way to help identify and manage heart rhythm risks in patients with a specific heart muscl…
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Observational Cohort Study Links Dynamic Cardiac Shape to Cardiometabolic Disease Risk in UK Biobank
Genetics & Precision Medicine
Observational Cohort Study Links Dynamic Cardiac Shape to Cardiometabolic Disease Risk in UK Biobank New Scan Tracks Heart Motion to Predict Disease Risk Better
This observational cohort study abstract analyzes UK Biobank participants to assess dynamic cardiac shape associations with incident cardiom…
How your heart moves during a beat predicts future disease risk better than just measuring its size on a standard scan.
medRxiv Apr 21, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis on left atrial strain parameters predicting AF recurrence
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis on left atrial strain parameters predicting AF recurrence Do heart strain measurements before treatment predict if atrial fibrillation will return?
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 studies synthesized evidence on left atrial strain parameters as predictors of atrial fibrill…
Higher heart strain readings before treatment signal a much lower risk of atrial fibrillation returning after rhythm restoration.
Frontiers Apr 20, 2026
Caffeinated coffee associated with AF recurrence reduction in RCT with Bayesian robustness checks
Cardiology RCT
Caffeinated coffee associated with AF recurrence reduction in RCT with Bayesian robustness checks Does Coffee Help Heart Rhythm? New Study Changes the Answer
This review analyzes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving caffeinated coffee drinkers and abstainers with atrial fibrillation.
A deeper look at old data suggests coffee might help heart rhythm, but not as much as we hoped.
medRxiv Apr 19, 2026
Apixaban Plasma Levels Elevated in Medicare Patients Taking CYP3A4 and P-gp Inhibitors
Drug Pipeline Cohort
Apixaban Plasma Levels Elevated in Medicare Patients Taking CYP3A4 and P-gp Inhibitors Higher Drug Levels Mean More Bleeding Risk
This pilot cohort study evaluated 35 Medicare patients with atrial fibrillation receiving apixaban 5mg BID.
Taking common heart rhythm drugs with apixaban raises blood levels and increases the risk of serious bleeding that can lead to hospitalizati…
medRxiv Apr 19, 2026
Screening with ECG-AI and CH-AI models identifies high-risk atrial fibrillation in older primary care patients
Cardiology RCT
Screening with ECG-AI and CH-AI models identifies high-risk atrial fibrillation in older primary care patients AI Reads Your Heart's Electrical Signal to Catch Atrial Fibrillation Earlier
A cluster-randomized trial of 16,937 patients aged ≥65 years without prevalent AF in primary care found that screening with single-lead ECG …
An AI tool reading standard heart tests can spot older adults most likely to develop atrial fibrillation, making screening far more efficien…
Apr 18, 2026
Narrative review examines left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Cardiology Sys. Review
Narrative review examines left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation The Tiny Ear-Shaped Pouch in Your Heart That Could Cause a Stroke
This narrative review evaluates left atrial appendage (LAA) closure as an alternative to warfarin, aspirin, or DOAC therapy for adults with …
A small heart implant seals off a stroke-risk pouch for atrial fibrillation patients who can't safely take blood thinners, with success rate…
Frontiers Apr 18, 2026
Review of citizen science value in Dutch atrial fibrillation health community
Cardiology Sys. Review
Review of citizen science value in Dutch atrial fibrillation health community Heart Patients Are Helping Rewrite the Rules of Their Own Disease
This narrative review examines the citizen science approach within the Dutch CIRCULAR model and AFIP foundation online health community for …
When atrial fibrillation patients guided their own research, they uncovered stress and diet triggers that labs confirmed, proving lived expe…
Frontiers Apr 18, 2026
Smartwatch monitoring increased new-onset AF detection in elderly patients compared to standard care
Cardiology RCT
Smartwatch monitoring increased new-onset AF detection in elderly patients compared to standard care Smartwatch monitoring found more new heart rhythm issues in older patients than standard care
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 437 patients aged 65 years or older with elevated stroke risk at secondary care centers in the Net…
Smartwatch monitoring found more new heart rhythm issues in older patients than standard care, potentially changing treatment plans for thos…
Apr 16, 2026
Bipolar linear PFA shows similar safety to RFA for CTI ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation
Cardiology RCT
Bipolar linear PFA shows similar safety to RFA for CTI ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation PFA Ablation Matches Old Method With Less Time
This substudy RCT compared bipolar linear pulsed field ablation (PFA) with irrigated radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in 141 patients with pers…
Doctors can treat a specific heart rhythm problem faster with new technology without making it less safe.
Apr 16, 2026

Research across Cardiac arrhythmias

Related studies from across the Cardiac arrhythmias family.

Fragmented QRS is associated with a 2.11 risk ratio for post-ablation atrial tachyarrhythmia
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Fragmented QRS is associated with a 2.11 risk ratio for post-ablation atrial tachyarrhythmia Fragmented QRS Signals Linked to Higher Risk After Heart Surgery
This meta-analysis of six cohort studies evaluates the association between fragmented QRS (fQRS) and post-ablation outcomes in patients with…
A specific heart signal called fragmented QRS may help doctors identify patients at higher risk for recurring heart rhythm issues after surg…
Jul 1, 2026
SGLT2 inhibitors provide robust prognostic benefits in heart failure with inconsistent results in post-myocardial infarction settings
Cardiology Sys. Review
SGLT2 inhibitors provide robust prognostic benefits in heart failure with inconsistent results in post-myocardial infarction settings SGLT2 inhibitors show promise for heart failure and diabetes
This narrative review examines the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, specifically empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. T…
New evidence shows how SGLT2 inhibitors may protect the heart and manage risks for patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Frontiers Jun 9, 2026
Family history, prior arrhythmia, and anterior infarct location independently raise risk of ventricular fibrillation in STEMI patients
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Family history, prior arrhythmia, and anterior infarct location independently raise risk of ventricular fibrillation in STEMI patients Family history and heart attack location raise risk of dangerous heart rhythms in young patients
This meta-analysis of 1807 cases and 2923 controls confirms that family history of sudden death, previous atrial fibrillation, and anterior …
A large study found that family history of sudden death, past atrial fibrillation, and front heart attacks increase the chance of dangerous …
May 2, 2026
Memantine reduced PAC burden and new-onset AF in a Phase 2 randomized trial of 241 adults
Cardiology RCT
Memantine reduced PAC burden and new-onset AF in a Phase 2 randomized trial of 241 adults Common Heart Flutters May Be Linked to Brain Drug
In this Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 241 symptomatic adults with frequent PACs (≥1000/24 h), memantine show…
A new study shows a brain medication may calm frequent heart flutters and lower the risk of more serious heart rhythm problems.
Apr 22, 2026

Questions about Atrial Fibrillation

Does adding superior vena cava isolation reduce atrial fibrillation recurrence but increase minor complications during ablation?

Yes, adding superior vena cava isolation to standard ablation reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence but increases minor complications like phrenic nerve injury.

Full answer →
Can taking SGLT2 inhibitors help reduce the chance of atrial arrhythmia coming back after catheter ablation?

Yes, SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce the chance of atrial arrhythmia returning after catheter ablation, especially in patients with heart failure.

Full answer →