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Table 1. Atrial Fibrillation Definitions
Term Definition
AF episode An AF episode is defined as AF that is documented by ECG
monitoring or intracardiac electrogram monitoring and has
a duration of at least 30 seconds, or if less than 30 seconds, is
present throughout the ECG monitoring tracing. e presence
of subsequent episodes of AF requires that sinus rhythm be
documented by ECG monitoring between AF episodes.
Chronic AF Chronic AF has variable definitions and should not be used to
describe populations of AF patients undergoing AF ablation.
Early persistent AF Early persistent AF is defined as AF that is sustained beyond 7
days but is less than 3 months in duration.
Lone AF Lone AF is a historical descriptor that is potentially confusing
and should not be used to describe populations of patients with
AF undergoing AF ablation.
Long-standing
persistent AF
Long-standing persistent AF is defined as continuous AF of
greater than 12-month duration.
Paroxysmal AF Paroxysmal AF is defined as AF that terminates spontaneously or
with intervention within 7 days of onset.
Permanent AF Permanent AF is defined as the presence of AF that is accepted
by the patient and physician, and for which no further attempts
to restore or maintain sinus rhythm will be undertaken. e
term "permanent AF" represents a therapeutic attitude on
the part of the patient and physician rather than an inherent
pathophysiologic attribute of AF. e term "permanent AF"
should not be used within the context of a rhythm control
strateg y with antiarrhythmic drug therapy or AF ablation.
Persistent AF Persistent AF is defined as continuous AF that is sustained
beyond 7 days.
Silent AF Silent AF is defined as asymptomatic AF diagnosed with an
opportune ECG or rhythm strip.
Diagnosis
