Sustained sinus rhythm for six months after electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation had no impact on prothrombotic markers, network member Anja W. Horjen and co-authors conclude in an article published in Thrombosis Journal.
Furthermore, successfully cardioverted patients still in sinus rhythm after 6 months had significantly higher levels of D-dimer and prothrombin fragment 1+2 in atrial fibrillation than subjects without atrial fibrillation.
The results suggest that there is persistent hypercoagulability in atrial fibrillation patients despite successful cardioversion and long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm.
The findings also support current guidelines recommending continued anticoagulation after successful cardioversion in patients with risk factors for stroke.
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