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Is Cardioversion For Atrial Fibrillation Safe?
Question: Has anyone ever died from a cardioversion? Should one be done if just diagnosed a month ago with atrial fibrillation?
Brief Answer:
The risks of this procedure are very very low (less than 0.1%)
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that amongst several methods for conversion of atrial fibrillation electrical cardioversion is considered the safest and the most effective method compared with other pharmacological approaches.
If atrial fibrillation is diagnosed more than 48 hours from the onset, then several approaches for conversion may be safely applied with a very low risk for cardio-embolic events. In such case a transesophageal echocardiography to exclude possible thrombi in left auricula, followed by an electrical cardioversion under general anesthesia would be the best choice (the shortest, the safest and most effective).
Pharmacological options for cardioversion may be also considered, but they need more time to show their effectiveness and may expose the patient to several anti-arrhythmics related complications.
But if there is no clear evidence of atrial fibrillation time onset (for the more the symptomatology is longer than 48 hours) then a correct anticoagulation (INR >2) for about 4 weeks, followed by electric cardioversion would be recommended.
The risks of this procedure are very very low (less than 0.1%).
So returning to your concrete question, I would explain that after 4 weeks of an optimal anticoagulation, it is quite right time for a successful electric cardioversion.
Relax and don't worry about this procedure, as the risk for death is much lower compared to other cardioversion alternatives.
Hope to have been helpful!
I am at your disposal for further questions, whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
The risks of this procedure are very very low (less than 0.1%)
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that amongst several methods for conversion of atrial fibrillation electrical cardioversion is considered the safest and the most effective method compared with other pharmacological approaches.
If atrial fibrillation is diagnosed more than 48 hours from the onset, then several approaches for conversion may be safely applied with a very low risk for cardio-embolic events. In such case a transesophageal echocardiography to exclude possible thrombi in left auricula, followed by an electrical cardioversion under general anesthesia would be the best choice (the shortest, the safest and most effective).
Pharmacological options for cardioversion may be also considered, but they need more time to show their effectiveness and may expose the patient to several anti-arrhythmics related complications.
But if there is no clear evidence of atrial fibrillation time onset (for the more the symptomatology is longer than 48 hours) then a correct anticoagulation (INR >2) for about 4 weeks, followed by electric cardioversion would be recommended.
The risks of this procedure are very very low (less than 0.1%).
So returning to your concrete question, I would explain that after 4 weeks of an optimal anticoagulation, it is quite right time for a successful electric cardioversion.
Relax and don't worry about this procedure, as the risk for death is much lower compared to other cardioversion alternatives.
Hope to have been helpful!
I am at your disposal for further questions, whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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