It is important that physicians remember that whether a patient’s AFib is paroxysmal or permanent, the associated risk for stroke is the same.  Many people may believe that because the patient with paroxysmal AFib is going in and out of AFib, that this presents a lower risk of stroke.  As seen from the 4 studies shown in the Figure, however, the risk of stroke remains identical, whether the AFib is paroxysmal or permanent.

  Rothman SA. Am J Med 2013; 126: 00-00.

[BAATAF= Boston Area Anticoagulation Trial for Atrial Fibrillation; SPAF = Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation]