Early versus delayed cardioversion: why should we wait?

How to Optimize Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation

Cardioversion (CV) is an essential component of rhythm control strategy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Timing of CV is an important manageable factor in optimizing the safety and efficacy of CV. Based on observational studies, the success rate of CV seems to be best (≈95%) at 12−48 h after the onset of arrhythmic symptoms compared with a lower success rate of ≈85% in later elective CV. Early AF recurrences are also less common after acute CV compared with later elective CV. CV causes a temporary increase in the risk of thromboembolic complications. Effective anticoagulation reduces this risk, especially during the first 2 weeks after successful CV. However, even during therapeutic anticoagulation, each elective CV increases the risk of stroke 4-fold (0.4% vs. 0.1%) during the first month after the procedure, compared with acute (<48 h) CV or avoiding CV. Spontaneous CVs are common during the early hours of AF. The short wait-and-see approach, up to 24−48 h, is a reasonable option for otherwise healthy but mildly symptomatic patients who are using therapeutic anticoagulation, since they are most likely to have spontaneous rhythm conversion and have no need for active CV. The probability of early treatment failure and antiarrhythmic treatment options should be evaluated before proceeding to CV to avoid the risks of futile CVs.

Clinical outcomes following rhythm control for atrial fibrillation: is early better?

Introduction: An integral aspect of atrial fibrillation (AF) management involves better symptom control, incorporating a rate control, rhythm control, or a combination strategy. The 2020 ESC Guidelines suggest that rhythm control strategy should be recommended for symptomatic patients, to mitigate their symptoms and improve the quality of life. However, adequately powered randomized control trials and prospective 'real-world' registries are needed to fully assess the impact of early rhythm control strategies on clinical outcomes in patients with AF.Objective: In this narrative review, we discuss clinical outcomes following rhythm management approach among patients with AF, considering the effectiveness of an early intervention strategy.Expert opinion: Patients involvement and shared decision-making are crucial when deciding the optimal management strategy among patients with AF. For those with newly diagnosed symptomatic AF, an early invasive approach such as catheter ablation may have a role in preventing AF progression and subsequent pathophysiological changes.