A method of decreasing a risk of cardiovascular hospitalization in a patient, said method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of dronedarone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, twice a day with a morning and an evening meal, wherein said patient does not have severe heart failure, (i) wherein severe heart failure is indicated by: a) NYHA Class IV heart failure or b) hospitalization for heart failure within the last month; and (ii) wherein said patient has a history of, or current, paroxysmal or persistent non-permanent atrial fibrillation or flutter; and (iii) wherein the patient has at least one cardiovascular risk factor selected from the group consisting of: i. an age greater than or equal to 75; ii. hypertension; iii. diabetes; iv. a history of cerebral stroke or of systemic embolism; v. a left atrial diameter greater than or equal to 50 mm; and vi. a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%. view more

The method according to claim 1, wherein said cardiovascular hospitalization is hospitalization for atrial fibrillation.

The method according to claim 1, wherein the administration of dronedarone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof prevents cardiovascular hospitalization.

The method according to claim 1, wherein said patient further receives a diuretic-based treatment.

The method according to claim 4, wherein said diuretic is a non-potassium-sparing diuretic.

The method according to claim 1, wherein the dose of dronedarone administered per day, orally, is less than or equal 800 mg, measured in base form.

A method of decreasing a risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation in a patient having a history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, said method comprising administering dronedarone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, twice a day with a morning and an evening meal to a patient in need thereof, wherein said patient does not have severe heart failure, (i) wherein severe heart failure is indicated by: a) NYHA Class IV heart failure or b) hospitalization for heart failure within the last month, and (ii) wherein said atrial fibrillation or flutter is non-permanent and is paroxysmal or persistent; and (iii) wherein the patient has at least one cardiovascular risk factor selected from the group consisting of: i. an age greater than or equal to 75; ii. hypertension; iii. diabetes; iv. a history of cerebral stroke or of systemic embolism; v. a left atrial diameter greater than or equal to 50 mm; and vi. a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%. view more

The method according to claim 1, wherein the severe heart failure is indicated by NYHA Class IV heart failure.

The method of claim 1, wherein the administration of said effective amount is maintained for at least 12 months.

The method of claim 1, wherein the administration of said effective amount of dronedarone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is maintained to decrease the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization.

The method according to claim 1, wherein said patient has a history of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

The method of claim 8, wherein the dose of dronedarone administered per day, orally, is less than or equal 800 mg, measured in base form.

The method of claim 8, wherein the severe heart failure is indicated by NYHA Class IV heart failure.

NA