Key result
Cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation without anticoagulation carries a low risk of thromboembolic events in patients without risk factors, but a risk of approximately 10% in those with multiple risk factors.
Why the study?
Does cardioversion without anticoagulation increase the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with acute atrial fibrillation?
Population
Patients with acute atrial fibrillation (<48 hours) scheduled for cardioversion
Comparison
Cardioversion without anticoagulation vs Cardioversion with anticoagulation
Design
Review
Authors
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May support selective anticoagulation omission before acute AF cardioversion in low-risk patients; leaves open prospective validation in those with multiple risk factors.
Does cardioversion without anticoagulation increase the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with acute atrial fibrillation?
Cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation without anticoagulation is safe only in patients without stroke risk factors, while those with multiple risk factors face a high risk of thromboembolism and require anticoagulation.
Airaksinen et al. (2013) conducted a review in Acute atrial fibrillation. Cardioversion without anticoagulation was evaluated on Thromboembolic events. Cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation without anticoagulation carries a low risk of thromboembolic events in patients without risk factors, but a risk of approximately 10% in those with multiple risk factors.
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