Kardiol Pol
-
Comparative Study
Impact of sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance on left ventricular function and exercise tolerance in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.
Although early improvement of haemodynamic parameters following successful cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been well documented, the long-term benefits of sinus rhythm (SR) restoration are less obvious, mainly due to a high rate of AF relapses. ⋯ Successful cardioversion of persistent AF resulted in a significant improvement of exercise capacity and a decrease in heart failure symptoms during one year follow-up period only in patients who maintained SR.