The duration of different types of atrial fibrillation varies, ranging from as short as 48 hours to as long as 1 year or more. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation usually lasts less than 48 hours, and its duration can be as short as a few seconds or minutes or as long as a few days, but up to 7 days. Long-term persistent atrial fibrillation, on the other hand, can last for more than 1 year. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, persistent atrial fibrillation, and long-term persistent atrial fibrillation can be converted to sinus rhythm with medication or electrical cardioversion. However, permanent atrial fibrillation cannot be restored to sinus rhythm with medication or electrical resuscitation and requires radiofrequency ablation. In addition, patients with atrial fibrillation that cannot be restored to sinus rhythm need to have their ventricular rate controlled.