Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation Today: When and Why?

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia with a high prevalence in the elderly [1]. One Australian study found a prevalence of atrial fibrillation of 11.6% in people over 75 years of age [2]. The arrhythmia has been considered benign until it was demonstrated that atrial fibrillation carries a significant morbidity and mortality. The mortality risk in patients with atrial fibrillation has been reported to be twice as high as that in controls [1].