RACE II

Question 1

RACE II Clinical Question

Answer 1

Among patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, what is the effect of lenient compared to strict rate control strategies on cardiovascular events?

Question 2

RACE II Bottom Line

Answer 2

Among patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, lenient rate control (HR <110 bpm) is as effective as strict rate control (HR <80 bpm) in preventing cardiovascular events.

Question 3

RACE II Design, n , median follow up time

Answer 3

Multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled noninferiority trial, 614, 3 years

Question 4

RACE II primary outcome

Answer 4

Composite of CV mortality, CHF, stroke, VTE, major bleeding, and arrhythmic events

Question 5

RACE II inclusion criteria

Answer 5

• Age ≤80 years
• Permanent AF for up to 12 months (demonstrated on two consecutive EKGs without known conversion)
• Mean resting HR >80 bpm
• Oral anticoagulation therapy (or aspirin, if no risk factors for thromboembolic complications present)

Question 6

RACE II numbers for primary outcome

Answer 6

12.9% vs. 14.9% (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.58-1.21; P<0.001)

HR 0.80, after statistical adjustment for the unbalanced distribution of the presence of CAD, use of statins, and DBP