Direct current cardioversion does not cause cardiac damage: Evidence from cardiac troponin T estimation

Abstract

Aim - To determine whether elective direct current (dc) cardioversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter causes myocardial damage. Methods and results - Cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase were estimated 20-28 hours after dc cardioversion in 51 patients who received dc shocks for elective cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation/flutter. Although creatine kinase was raised in 44 patients, cardiac troponin T was undetectable in all patients. Conclusion - Cardiac damage does not occur as a result of cardioversion.