Conclusion
In conclusion, synchronised DC cardioversion of an atrial arrhythmia did
not cause myocardial injury 6-hours post-cardioversion, as measured by
the highly sensitive cardiac troponin I. Sub-group analysis stratifying
by the presences of a cardiomyopathy suggests that cardioversion of
patients with a cardiomyopathy may result in normalization of troponin I
and thus an improvement in myocardial strain or injury. These data
suggest that elevations in troponin post-cardioversion should be taken
as a serious complication and investigated further. Finally, it may be
of benefit for patients with cardiomyopathy and atrial arrhythmias to
have their cardioversion more urgently as it may help to improve
myocardial injury.