Optimal timing for cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Electrical cardioversion (CV) is essential in rhythm management of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, optimal timing of CV remains unknown.

Hypothesis

Timing of CV in AF is associated with risk of adverse events.

Methods

We analyzed the effect of AF episode duration on safety and efficacy of electrical CV in a multicenter, multicohort study exploring 4356 CVs in 2530 patients on oral anticoagulation. The composite adverse outcome included unsuccessful CV, acute arrhythmic complications, thromboembolic events, mortality, and AF recurrence within 30-day follow-up.

Results

Study groups were stratified according to duration of index AF episode (<24 h, 24-48 h, 48 h-30d, and > 30d), consisting of 1767, 516, 632, and 1441 CVs, respectively. CVs were unsucc

SUBMITTER: Hellman T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6489961 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature