This document summarizes research on novel cardiac pacing paradigms for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). It describes a coupled pacing (CP) technique that controls heart rate during AF while increasing contractility. Chronic studies found CP reversed ventricular remodeling. A new approach, CRT+CP, applies cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) followed by CP to improve function in AF/HF patients, including CRT non-responders. Simulation studies support using differential pressure to measure flow and optimize pacing.