Predictors of time to conversion of new‐onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm with amiodarone therapy

Abstract

Abstract Background New‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent cause of presentation to the emergency department (ED). Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is associated with the presence and recurrence of AF. However, no study has investigated the predictors of the time to conversion of AF to sinus rhythm with amiodarone therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of time to conversion of AF to sinus rhythm in patients with new‐onset AF. Methods A total of 122 patients admitted to the ED with symptoms of hemodynamically stable new‐onset AF (lasting 410 minutes; n = 40). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that EFT (P = .033, odds ratio [OR]: 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6‐2.7), higher troponin I level > 0.04 (P = .034, OR: 5.3, 95% CI: 1.1‐24.8), and lower age (P = .003, OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8‐0.9) were significantly associated with longer conversion time. Conclusions We determined that EFT and high troponin level affected the time to conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with new‐onset AF.

Keywords

• amiodarone
• atrial fibrillation
• cardioversion
• epicardium