Study design
RECURRENCES
This study is a prespecified sub‐analysis of the RACE 7 ACWAS trial (NCT02248753). Briefly, the RACE 7 ACWAS trial was a multicentre, noninferiority randomized controlled trial comparing early to delayed cardioversion in patients with recent‐onset AF at the ED. Early cardioversion consisted of direct pharmacological or electrical cardioversion. Delayed cardioversion consisted of the administration of rate control medication to achieve symptom alleviation and a heart rate of <110 bpm. If spontaneous conversion did not occur, cardioversion was performed within 48 h from symptom onset. Detailed descriptions of the design of this study have been published elsewhere.Patients in this trial were given an electrocardiogram (ECG)‐based handheld device (MyDiagnostick, Applied Biomedical Systems) to monitor for recurrences during the 4‐week follow‐up period. Patients were instructed on how to use the device and were asked to record 1 min heart rate and rhythm recordings three times a day and in case of symptoms. The overall adherence and adherence consistency of patients have been described previously.