Provides general clinical recommendations for cardioversion, antiarrhythmic prophylaxis, and anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
May inform periprocedural AF care; leaves open optimal strategies pending randomized trials.
Summary Cardioversion to sinus rhythm should be considered for all suitable patients in atrial fibrillation In the short term both pharmacological and electrical cardioversion restore sinus rhythm Prophylactic treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs is advisable after cardioversion in high risk patients in view of the high relapse rate Anticoagulants should be started before non-emergency cardioversion—ideally two to three weeks before—and continued for at least four weeks after cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation of >48 hours' duration
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Lip et al. (1996) studied this question.
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