Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice
Published on: June 29, 2022
Increased P-wave dispersion predicts recurrent atrial fibrillation after cardioversion
Christian Perzanowski1, Andrew T Ho, Alan K Jacobson
1Cardiology Section, Loma Linda VA Medical Cente, CA 92324, USA. chrisperz@att.net
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) will recur in a number of patients treated with cardioversion. Being able to identify reliable risk factors would be useful for making management decisions. P-wave dispersion (PWD) is an electrocardiographic measurement, which reflects a disparity in atrial conduction. P-wave dispersion has been shown to be increased in patients with paroxysmal AF. This pilot study aims to determine the role of PWD in predicting AF recurrence in patients who underwent elective cardioversion. Forty-five patients who were successfully cardioverted for persistent AF were included for study. Eighteen patients had a PWD greater than 80 ms; of these 13 had AF recurrence. Of the 25 patients with PWD less than 80 milliseconds, 12 had recurrent AF. P-wave dispersion values greater than 80 milliseconds were found more frequently in patients with AF recurrence (P = .05), supporting the use of this parameter in predicting return of AF. Larger studies are needed for further evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
