LEFT-VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION BEFORE AND AFTER CARDIOVERSION

A trial fibrillation (AF) is a clinically important arrhythmia with important therapeutic and prognostic implications. The disorganized electrical and mechanical activity causes loss of active atrial contraction. This in turn results in insufficient atrial emptying and impaired ventricular filling.1 AF may be converted to sinus rhythm by means of direct-current countershock. Hemodynamic studies before and after cardioversion of AF to normal sinus rhythm report conflicting results regarding improvement in hemodynamic function.2-4 Some studies suggested that normal atrial contraction may not occur immediately after successful cardioversion of AF to sinus rhythm.1,3 The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using echocardiography and Doppler, the mechanical activity of the left atrium and its effect on left ventricular (LV) function after electrocardioversion of AF to sinus rhythm. © 1992.