The Medical clinics of North America
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Jan 2008
ReviewElectrical and pharmacologic cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
In this article, electrical and pharmacologic cardioversion for atrial fibrillation is described in detail. Indications for cardioversion and management of pericardioversion anticoagulation also are discussed. Finally, management strategies for immediate recurrence of atrial fibrillation and cardioversion failure are offered.
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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery. It is associated with an increase in morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality. ⋯ Atrial fibrillation usually resolves spontaneously after heart rate is controlled; however, if patients are highly symptomatic or hemodynamically unstable, sinus rhythm should be restored by electrical or pharmacologic cardioversion. Patients with atrial fibrillation of more than 48 hours should receive antithrombotic therapy for thromboembolism prevention.