A 2019 study found electrical cardioversion was effective in treating 96.2% of 419 people with sudden onset of atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia.

Cathodal cardioversion appeared more effective (with 85% success at ≤200 J vs 72% with an apical anode, P < 0.05).

Anticoagulation should continue for one month after successful cardioversion to prevent emboli formation due to delayed atrial mechanical function (Am J Cardiol. 1998;82:1368-1371).

The electrical energy used for cardioversion followed the increasing sequence of 200, 300, 360, and 360 J, with a maximum number of four electrical shocks.

The article, titled “Dual vs Single Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Obesity,” is based on a multi-center, patient-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted at three ...