Early Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Stroke Prevention

Inclusion Criteria: I1. AF first diagnosed within 5 years prior to enrolment and documented in body surface ECG I2. High comorbidity estimated by CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4 or more I3. Patient suitable for ablation using cryoballoon ablation systems or other ablation systems with comparable efficacy and safety from Medtronic I4. Age ≥ 18 years I5. Provision of signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: General exclusion criteria E1. Any disease that limits life expectancy to less than 1 year. E2. Participation in another clinical trial, either within the 3 months prior to enrolment or still on-going (participation in potential sub-studies connected to this trial is permitted). E3. Previous participation in EASThigh-AFNET 11. E4. Pregnant women. E5. Breastfeeding women. E6. Drug abuse or clinically manifest alcohol abuse. Exclusion criteria related to a cardiac condition E7. Prior AF ablation or surgical therapy of AF. E8. Patients not suitable for AF ablation. E9. Patients with a history of stroke which occurred within 3 months prior to enrolment. E10. Valve disease requiring specific therapy. Exclusion criteria based on laboratory abnormalities E11. Clinically manifested thyroid dysfunction requiring therapy.