Immediate reinitiation of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion predicts subsequent pharmacologic and electrical conversion to sinus rhythm and amiodarone.
Ninety-one percent of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) resisting electrical cardioversion because of immediate reinitiation of AF after the shock maintain long-term sinus rhythm with amiodarone and repeat cardioversion. Thus, immediate reinitiation of AF is an important sign that should guide further treatment in patients with electrical cardioversion-resistant AF.
Van Noord
T
T
Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Van Gelder
I C
IC
Schoonderwoerd
B A
BA
Crijns
H J
HJ
D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D019233:Retreatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone