Electrical cardioversion and pharmacological cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation alters the heart´s hemodynamic function, being it a risk factor for thromboembolic accidents, complications and symptoms related with oneself cardiac arrhythmia. Restoring or preserving sinus rhythm is an important part of its management, for that two types of Restitution are established, one by an electric shock and other by the use of drugs, both are valid, however there are important aspects to consider. The work objective is to compare the characteristics and indications for the use of electrical and pharmacological cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation. A comparison was made between both considering the characteristics of each method, techniques, mechanism, important points to take into account, indications, complications and effectiveness. The right patient choice and a proper technique is significant to restore a normal heart rhythm. Both have specific characteristics and limitations. At the acting moment, there is no procedure that can be considered optimal, sometimes it is necessary to resort to a combined strategy. It has been noticed that the prescription of antiarrhythmic drugs before an electrical cardioversion can be useful to increase success and prevent it.