title: [Pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation].
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is a very common rhythm disorder that can be therapeutically reverted into sinus rhythm by means of pharmacological or electrical cardioversion. This article reviews options for drug therapy and tries to elucidate the mechanisms of AF termination by antiarrhythmics. We will explain the clinical basis of different therapeutic approaches and review the efficacy of selected substances according to recent clinical studies. Finally, we will focus on some important aspects of anticoagulation in the setting of pharmacological cardioversion.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für klinische Elektrophysiologie, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ehrlich
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Hohnloser
mesh_terms: D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone