MORTALITY OF PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION BEFORE AND AFTER INTRODUCTION OF DC COUNTER SHOCK THERAPY

. In the series of 218 patients with atrial fibrillation treated by DC reversion 78 patients (35%) maintained sinus rhythm for three months or more. Twenty-eight patients of this group have been followed up for four years, and the mortality rate was 32% in this group. The control series of 130 patients without DC reversion reached the same mortality level after only two years. This difference is highly significant. Problems concerning the choice of patients suitable for DC reversion is discussed.