However, the small number of patients who developed PVT were successfully treated with electrical cardioversion. The atria are the upper chambers of the heart. Atrial fibrillation and flutter are common arrhythmias that cause irregular contractions of the heart. Alone, the conditions are not considered life-threatening. But they can lead to decreased cardiac output, congestive heart failure and low blood pressure in some patients.
Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for embolic stroke.
Prevalence of these arrhythmias increases with age. Electrical cardioversion is the primary treatment option for patients who would benefit from rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter to normal sinus rhythm. The procedure, which delivers an electrical current to the heart, requires anesthesia to minimize patient discomfort.