Efficacy and Safety of Electrical Versus Pharmacological Cardioversion in Early Atrial Fibrillation

Efficacy and Safety of Electrical Versus Pharmacological Cardioversion in Early Atrial Fibrillation: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The optimal strategy to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) of less than 48 hours' duration is still controversial. The investigators performed a controlled single-center trial to compare electrical and pharmacological (propafenone) cardioversion to restore the sinus rhythm in selected patients with acute atrial fibrillation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• atrial fibrillation of less than 48 hours' duration.

Exclusion Criteria:

• AF of more than 48 hours'
• hemodynamic instability
• acute onset atrial fibrillation due to acute coronary syndrome
• electrolyte disturbances
• sepsis
• fever
• hypothermia
• untreated hyperthyroidism
• use of antiarrhythmic drugs
• high embolic risk
• unclear duration of symptoms