Factors that predict a lack of success in maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation
- Significant left atrium enlargement.
- A longer time in atrial fibrillation before cardioversion, or
- The presence of underlying heart disease, especially rheumatic heart disease
“If AF is converted back to sinus rhythm, the likelihood of the patient staying in sinus rhythm is best predicted from the diameter of the left atrium on the patient’s echocardiogram. Significant left atrium enlargement means the patient is unlikely to stay in sinus rhythm after successful conversion.” ABFM critique
Further Reading
Predictors of long-term maintenance of normal sinus rhythm after successful electrical cardioversion. Clin Cardiol 2014;37(6):381-385.