title: Long-term effect of cardioversion on peak oxygen consumption in chronic atrial fibrillation. A 2-year follow-up.
abstract: Restoration of sinus rhythm may improve functional capacity in atrial fibrillation in the short-term. Little is known, however, about its long-term effect on functional status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effect of cardioversion on peak oxygen consumption (VO2) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Patients with such a condition and due to undergo electrical cardioversion were eligible for the study. Patients underwent treadmill exercise testing with measurement of peak VO2 before cardioversion, and at 1 month and 2 years thereafter. Based on the rhythm present at those times after cardioversion, patients were categorized into three groups: those in sinus rhythm after 1 month and 2 years (Group I); those in sinus rhythm after 1 month, but with atrial fibrillation after 2 years (Group II); and those who were in atrial fibrillation both at 1 month and 2 years following cardioversion (Group III). Thirty-nine patients were included, and underlying heart disease was present in 24 of them (62%). In the comparison of the baseline characteristics of Group I (n = 17), Group II (n = 11), and Group III (n = 11), underlying heart disease was more frequent in Group I (88%, 45%, and 36%, respectively); otherwise they were similar. In Group I, peak VO2 showed an insignificant increase from 21.1 +/- 5.0 to 22.3 +/- 5.0 ml.min-1.kg-1 month after. cardioversion. After 2 years of sinus rhythm, peak VO2 showed a further increase to 23.8 +/- 5.0 ml.min-1.kg-1 (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors: Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors: A T
authors: AT
authors: Gosselink
authors: E B
authors: EB
authors: Bijlsma
authors: M L
authors: ML
authors: Landsman
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Crijns
authors: K I
authors: KI
authors: Lie
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004554:Electric Countershock; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors