Immediate reinitiation of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion predicts subsequent pharmacologic and electrical conversion to sinus rhythm and amiodarone.

ABSTRACT

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.