Acute heart failure post-electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation

Authors

  • Carlos López-Sarmiento Internal Medicine Service, Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital of Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7479-6342
  • Cristina Mateo-Gómez Cardiology Department, Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital of Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3208-2189
  • Normando Peñate-Suárez Primary Care Service, Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital of Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0864-9768
  • Ricardo Concepción-Suárez Cardiology Department of the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9146-5852

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32818/reccmi.a11n1a11

Keywords:

case report, atrial fibrillation, electrical cardioversion, heart failure

Abstract

Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is an effective and generally safe strategy for restoring sinus rhythm in patients with
atrial fibrillation (AF); however, it can precipitate acute heart failure (HF), even in the absence of prior systolic dysfunction.
We present the case of a 61-year-old male who underwent scheduled ECV for persistent atrial fibrillation
and developed acute heart failure likely related to post-cardioversion atrial stunning. This case highlights the need to
identify predisposing factors and perform close monitoring after ECV to detect this complication early.

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References

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Published

2026-04-23

How to Cite

1.
López-Sarmiento C, Mateo-Gómez C, Peñate-Suárez N, Concepción-Suárez R. Acute heart failure post-electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation. Rev Esp Casos Clin Med Intern [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 23 [cited 2026 May 1];11(1):34-7. Available from: https://www.reccmi.com/RECCMI/article/view/1293