Electrophysiologic predictors of the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation within 30 days of cardioversion.
Patients with recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation within 30 days of cardioversion had slower atrial conduction, a slower sinus rate, no difference in the absolute value of the effective refractory period, greater early reverse remodeling of the effective refractory period, and more premature atrial contractions than those who did not. These findings highlight the role of slow conduction and premature atrial contractions in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and suggest a possible proarrhythmic effect of reverse remodeling.
Raitt
Merritt H
MH
Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. merritt.raitt@med.va.gov
Kusumoto
Walter
W
Giraud
George D
GD
McAnulty
John H
JH
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence