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Does p-wave dispersion predict the atrial fibrillation occurrence after direct-current shock therapy?
Ozcan Ozdemir1, Mustafa Soylu, Ahmet Duran Demir
1Türkiye Yüksek Ihtisas Hospital, Cardiology Clinics, Ankara, Turkey. drozdemir75@yahoo.com
Angiology
|January 31, 2006
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) can occur after direct-current (DC) shock cardioversion. Higher P-wave dispersion (PWD) values indicate a greater risk for developing AF post-DC shock, aiding in risk stratification.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Supraventricular tachycardia, including atrial fibrillation (AF), can occur post-cardioversion.
- The mechanisms may involve hemodynamic issues, thromboembolism, or myocardial electrical instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of P-wave dispersion (PWD) for post-direct-current (DC) shock AF after external cardioversion.
- To identify patients at high risk for AF development after DC shock.
Main Methods:
- Compared 18 patients with induced AF post-DC shock to 40 controls without AF.
- Analyzed clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic parameters, focusing on PWD.
Main Results:
- Patients with post-DC shock AF had larger left atrial diameters and lower left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF).
- Higher cardioversion energy, P max, and PWD were observed in the AF group compared to controls.
- Elevated PWD values were significantly associated with increased risk of AF after DC shock.
Conclusions:
- PWD is a significant predictor of AF development following DC shock cardioversion.
- Identifying patients with high PWD can guide therapeutic strategies to mitigate post-shock AF risk.
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