Should I try cardioversion for atrial fibrillation?
Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation can return your heart rate to a normal sinus rhythm. However, atrial fibrillation often returns. Consider the following when making your decision: • If your atrial fibrillation is not caused by a permanent underlying heart condition, cardioversion is often an effective way to restore your heart to a normal rhythm. • Cardioversion is less successful if you have had multiple recurrences of atrial fibrillation or if you have long-standing heart disease. • The longer you have had atrial fibrillation, the lower your chance is of staying in a normal rhythm after cardioversion. • If you have bothersome symptoms while in atrial fibrillation, you may want to try cardioversion. • If you do not have bothersome symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you take medications to control your heart rate and anticoagulants to prevent stroke. • If atrial fibrillation returns after cardioversion, you can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and symptoms by taking a
