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The prognostic impact of successful cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in patients with organic heart disease

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Summary

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of successful cardioversion (CV) compared to failed CV in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and organic heart disease. A total of 471 consecutive patients with organic heart disease from the prospective single center anticoagulation registry ANTIK who underwent CV of AF or atrial flutter were analyzed. 417 patients (89%) could be successfully cardioverted. In 54 patients (11%) CV failed, these patients remained in AF. After 5 years there were 92 (24%) deaths among patients with restored sinus rhythm at index admission and 20 (38%) deaths among those who remained in AF after CV (unadjusted OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.6). After adjustment for age, gender and ejection fraction, successful CV was not associated with a beneficial effect on mortality (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.43–1.21). Thus, successful CV is not an independent predictor of mortality on multivariate analysis. However, it remains a marker for a better prognosis in patients with organic heart disease as these patients have a lower unadjusted longterm mortality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen, Klinikum Ludwigshafen, Medizinische Klinik B, Bremserstraße 79, 67063, Ludwigshafen, Germany

    Thomas Kleemann MD, Torsten Becker MD, Klaus Dönges MD, Margit Vater MD, Bern Gut MD, Steffen Schneider MPH, Jochen Senges MD, FACC & Karlheinz Seidl MD, FESC

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  1. Thomas Kleemann MD
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  2. Torsten Becker MD
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  3. Klaus Dönges MD
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  4. Margit Vater MD
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  5. Bern Gut MD
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  6. Steffen Schneider MPH
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  7. Jochen Senges MD, FACC
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  8. Karlheinz Seidl MD, FESC
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Correspondence to Thomas Kleemann MD.

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The authors have no financial interest or other relationship to disclose.

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Kleemann, T., Becker, T., Dönges, K. et al. The prognostic impact of successful cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in patients with organic heart disease. Clin Res Cardiol 96, 103–108 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-006-0466-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-006-0466-8

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