Analysis of haematological and biochemical blood parameters after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in dogs

Abstract

Electrical cardioversion is a therapeutic procedure used to convert various types of arrhythmias back to sinus rhythm. It is used to restore the sinus rhythm in dogs with atrial fibrillation. The effect of the electrical energy used during cardioversion on red blood cells (RBC) is not fully understood. Studies on humans reported lysis of RBC following electrical cardioversion. Similar studies have not been carried out on dogs. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of electrical cardioversion on chosen RBC parameters.

Keywords

• dogs
• heart
• atrial fibrillation
• electrical cardioversion
• red blood cells