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Background Although anticoagulation therapy is accepted for most patients with atrial fibrillation, 2 different strategies exist for management of the cardiac rhythm: atrial fibrillation is allowed to persist while the ventricular rate is controlled; and atrial fibrillation is converted, and an attempt is made to maintain sinus rhythm. Methods The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) Study was a randomized clinical trial that compared these 2 strategies. We report the baseline characteristics of the patients enrolled in the AFFIRM Study. Results More than 7400 patients at more than 200 North American hospitals and clinics qualified for enrollment in the AFFIRM Study. A total of 4060 patients were enrolled in the AFFIRM Study. The average age of patients enrolled was 70 years, with 39% female and 89% white. Hypertension was present in 71%. Coronary artery disease was present in 38 …