PMID: 9652194Jul 4, 1998Paper

A review of direct current cardioversions for atrial arrhythmia

The Ulster Medical Journal
S D JohnstonC Wilson

Abstract

The risk of arterial embolism is well recognised following Direct Current Cardioversion (DCC) for atrial fibrillation although the use of prophylactic anticoagulation remains controversial. To determine the risk of arterial embolism post-cardioversion and which factors predict successful cardioversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm. A retrospective study was carried out of all cardioversions performed for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter at the Waveney Hospital Ballymena, during 1989-1993. A review of medical records and electrocardiograms was carried out to assess demographic characteristics, co-existent diseases, anticoagulant status, echocardiographic features and characteristics of the arrhythmia. Embolic events in the six weeks post-cardioversion were noted. The study included 157 cardioversions in 109 patients. The predominant arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation (n = 108, 69%). Three of 109 patients (2.7%) experienced embolic complications, none of whom had anticoagulation prior to the procedure. No risk factors for cerebro-vascular disease or significant valvular heart disease were present. Return to sinus rhythm was achieved in 143 (91%) procedures. Increasing coarseness of atrial fibrillation was associated with ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.