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D.C. conversion in patients on amiodarone
European Journal of Cardiology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Direct current (D.C.) shock successfully converted atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in three patients taking amiodarone. This suggests D.C. cardioversion may be safe for patients on this antiarrhythmic drug.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia.
- Amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic drug.
- D.C. cardioversion is a standard treatment for atrial fibrillation.
Observation:
- Three patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of origin, were treated with D.C. shock while on amiodarone.
- The D.C. shock successfully converted the patients to sinus rhythm.
- No rhythm disturbances were observed post-D.C. shock.
Findings:
- D.C. cardioversion can be safely performed in patients treated with amiodarone.
- Amiodarone does not appear to interfere with the efficacy or safety of D.C. cardioversion.
- Successful conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in all cases.
Implications:
- D.C. cardioversion may not be contraindicated in patients taking amiodarone.
- This finding could simplify treatment protocols for atrial fibrillation patients on amiodarone.
- Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in a larger population.