Evaluation of Changes in Cardiac Troponin I Levels After Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION

Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a procedure used to restore normal heart rhythm. Cardiac biomarkers, such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), are elevated in situations where injury-myocardial cell necrosis is induced.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the change in cTnI levels, i.e., whether a myocardial injury is present, in patients with AF whose elective treatment was synchronized DCCV via a biphasic defibrillator.

METHODS

The study sample included 59 patients who underwent synchronized DCCV for AF reversion. Measurement of cTnI before and after DCCV (one, three, and six hours) was performed by blood sampling and subsequent assay.

RESULTS

It was observed that the value of cTnI did not change (<0.1 ng/mL) after DCCV at the measurement time points (one, three, and six hours). In addition, the value of cTnI remained constant (<0.1 ng/mL) in relation to the energy delivered, before DCCV and after DCCV (one, three, and six hours). However, it was found that there was a correlation between the outcome (AF reversion or not) and the energy used (joules).

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronized DCCV with a biphasic defibrillator did not cause myocardial injury in any of the patients, as there was no change in cTnI values before and after DCCV.