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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation: the views of consultant physicians, geriatricians and cardiologists

G E Mead1, A T Elder, S Faulkner

  • 1Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.

Age and Ageing
|April 15, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AF) is underused due to varying consultant practices. Developing consensus guidelines is recommended to standardize AF treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses significant stroke risk and hemodynamic challenges.
  • Cardioversion to sinus rhythm can mitigate these risks but appears underutilized.
  • Understanding physician perspectives on AF cardioversion is crucial for improving practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate hospital consultant views on cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
  • To identify factors influencing the utilization of AF cardioversion.
  • To explore variations in cardioversion practices among different medical specialties.

Main Methods:

  • A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to 336 consultants (physicians, cardiologists, geriatricians) in Scotland.
  • A reminder letter was sent to non-responders to maximize response rate.
  • Response rate was 71%.

Main Results:

  • Cardiologists referred 18% of AF patients for cardioversion, compared to 11% of physicians and 5% of geriatricians.
  • Cardiologists reported better access to cardioversion facilities and fewer contraindications.
  • Significant variations in pre- and post-cardioversion anticoagulation duration were observed across specialties.

Conclusions:

  • Wide variations in AF cardioversion practices exist between and within specialties.
  • There is a need for consensus guidelines based on robust evidence to standardize AF management.
  • Developing standardized guidelines can optimize cardioversion utilization and patient care.
Abstract

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