Cardioversion
2012
Real-world cardioversion results
Cardioversion is used to convert a patient experiencing highly symptomatic or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) to normal sinus rhythm (NSR).
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BNP and safety of cardioversion
BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) is a hormone released by stretching of the walls of the ventricles. Thus, it is not surprising that elevated levels...
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Predicting cardioversion success
Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is considered first-line treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) defined as paroxysmal (intermittent)...
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2011
Magnesium/potassium infusion improves cardioversion results
The immediate success rate of electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) varies between 64% and 96%. Unfortunately, of patients successfully...
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Fish oils help maintain sinus rhythm after cardioversion
There is evidence that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the main components...
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Cardioversion strategy improves ablation outcome
Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardia) is common among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients having undergone...
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Fish oil prevents atrial stunning
Cardioversion and radiofrequency catheter ablation are often followed by a phenomenon known as atrial stunning. This condition involves...
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Use of dabigatran in cardioversion
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) was recently approved as an anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. A dosage of 150 mg twice daily...
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2010
Cardioversion and aldosterone levels
In the 2nd virtual LAF Conference in January 2003, the role of aldosterone in the initiation of AF episodes was discussed in considerable...
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Predicting recurrence after cardioversion
Approximately 50% of afibbers undergoing electric cardioversion (CV) experience recurrence within the first month following the procedure.
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Cardioversion of AF following catheter ablation
The recurrence of afib or flutter following a pulmonary vein ablation (PVI) procedure is not uncommon, especially during the 3 months post-procedure.
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Safety of electrical cardioversion
A study carried out by physicians at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver concludes that electrical cardioversion of patients with atrial fibrillation...
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2009
Magnesium improves cardioversion results
A group of Austrian researchers recently reported that pre-injection of magnesium sulfate considerably improves the efficacy of pharmaceutical conversion...
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Elevated CRP associated with cardioversion failure
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important indicator of systemic inflammation and also predicts the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It is measured...
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TEE and cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion in the presence of a blood clot (thrombus) in the left atrium is dangerous in that the electric shock may dislodge the clot...
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Importance of early cardioversion
Early recurrence of atrial arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) after a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure is not uncommon and may be
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2008
Metoprolol improves cardioversion results
Electrical cardioversion is often used in an attempt to convert persistent afibbers to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Unfortunately...
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New drug for conversion of AF
Although most atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes experienced by lone afibbers are self-terminating, some do require medical intervention in order...
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Elevated CRP = cardioversion failure
Several studies have uncovered an association between elevated levels of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and atrial fibrillation (AF).
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Magnesium aids in cardioversion
Intravenous ibutilide (Corvert) is often used to chemically convert atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm. Unfortunately, the procedure...
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Magnesium/potassium infusion helps convert AF to NSR
Although the mechanism underlying initiation of afib is still somewhat controversial, there is a growing consensus that slowed conduction velocity and dispersion of atrial...
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