[Atrial fibrillation].

Atrial fibrillation is frequent and has severe sequelae, such as stroke, cardiovascular death and cardiac insufficiency. These sequelae can be effectively reduced by anticoagulants, a meticulous recognition and treatment of cardiovascular comorbidities and an early rhythm-preserving treatment. Catheter ablation leads to a better preservation of the sinus rhythm and in symptomatic patients to a better quality of life in comparison to treatment with antiarrhythmic agents. This should be included in the planning of early rhythm-maintaining treatment.