Limitations
Our study is limited by its observational design and shorter follow-up
period. As with observational cohorts the possibility of residual
confounding remains. One should keep in mind the potential bias emerging
due to healthcare services concentrating on the treatment of COVID-19
cases and possibly leading to the cancellation of routine services, such
as office visits for established chronic conditions. This extent of
possible bias is not known but should be kept in mind. Additional
research would be required to assess the implications of these results
on integrated care management for such AF patients.