Comparison of the Latest ESC, ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS, and CCS Guidelines on the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

The introduction of evidence-based and structured guidelines has undoubtedly improved the care of cardiologic patients and in many cases simplified decision-making for the treatment team. The European Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Heart Rhythm Society, and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society have developed guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Because all 3 guidelines refer to almost the same scientific data, their recommendations are undoubtedly largely in agreement. Nevertheless, there are some interesting differences based on different interpretations of the same study, different publication dates, or differences in local conditions and health care resources. The following article aims at lining out these similarities and differences.