[Significance of sinus rhythm for ventricular function].

The changes in hemodynamics in conditions of dosed loading prior to and post cardioversion were followed up in 21 patients with valvular defects or atherosclerotic myocardiosclerosis and absolute arrhythmia with auricular fibrillation. In conditions of auricular fibrillation all the patients showed data about a deteriorated ventricular function (increased arterial-venous difference--tachycardia), both at rest and at dosed loading. One week after the sinus rhythm restoration, a considerable improvement of ventricular function was observed, at rest and loading (normal arterial-venous difference, higner minute and beat volume), suggesting the favourable effect of the restored sinus activity. The improved ventricular function is due to the restored auricular contraction, together with the restoration of rhythmic cardiac activity.