What is the success rate of electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
ANSWER
Electrical cardioversion is more than 90% effective, though many have AFib again shortly after having it. Taking an antiarrhythmic drug before the procedure can prevent this. How well it works depends on the size of your left atrium as well as how long you’ve been in AFib. If you have a large left atrium or you’ve been in constant AFib for a year or two, it may not work as well. Taking antiarrhythmic drugs can also prevent AFib after a successful electrical cardioversion.
From: Cardioversion for AFib
Reviewed by Suzanne R. Steinbaum on May 03, 2018
SOURCES:
Saint Luke’s: “What is chemical cardioversion?”
American Heart Association: “Cardioversion,” “What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)?”
StopAfib.org: “Using Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Chemical cardioversion
Heart Rhythm Society: “Cardioversion.”
Cardiology.org: "Atrial Fibrillation."
Cleveland Clinic: "Cardioversion."
Hartford Hospital: "Cardioversion."
Heart Rhythm Society: "Cardioversion."
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Cardioversion," "What Are the Risks of Cardioversion?" "What to Expect Before Cardioversion."
SOURCES:
Saint Luke’s: “What is chemical cardioversion?”
American Heart Association: “Cardioversion,” “What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)?”
StopAfib.org: “Using Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Chemical cardioversion
Heart Rhythm Society: “Cardioversion.”
Cardiology.org: "Atrial Fibrillation."
Cleveland Clinic: "Cardioversion."
Hartford Hospital: "Cardioversion."
Heart Rhythm Society: "Cardioversion."
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Cardioversion," "What Are the Risks of Cardioversion?" "What to Expect Before Cardioversion."
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