Abstract

Conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm improves many patients physically and mentally, reduces the risk of embolism and prevents palpitations¹. It may also allow an increase in cardiac output on exercise, but evidence for this is not yet conclusive. Direct current (DC) shock is now being put forward as the treatment of choice for the conversion of atrial fibrillation and certain other arrhythmias to sinus rhythm².