Favorable Conditions for Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation |
Less than 1 year duration of atrial fibrillation |
No or minimal cardiomegaly |
Echocardiographic left atrial dimension less than 45 mm |
After treatment of a precipitating cause such as acute myocardial infarction , cardiac
or thoracic surgery, hyperthyroidism, pneumonia, or pericarditis |
After corrective valvular surgery |
stenosis or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy |
Unfavorable Conditions for Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation |
Duration of atrial fibrillation greater than 1 year |
Moderate to severe cardiomegaly |
Echocardiographic left atrial dimension greater than 45 mm |
Digitalis toxicity (contraindicated) |
Chronic obstructive lung disease |
Mitral valve disease |
Heart failure |
Recurrent atrial fibrillation despite antiarrhythmic drugs |
Inability to tolerate antiarrhythmic drugs |