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Amiodarone versus propafenone for conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation: results of a randomized, controlled study

^a Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

View larger version (14K): [in a new window]   Figure 1 The cumulative conversion progression to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) in the amiodarone and propafenone groups. It is clear that propafenone starts to convert earlier than amiodarone; none of our patients receiving this drug converted after more than 15 days. In contrast, amiodarone, while having a delayed onset of action (9 days), continued to cardiovert at a steady rate.

View larger version (20K): [in a new window]   Figure 2 The cumulative conversion progression to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) in the amiodarone and propafenone groups in relation to the significant predictors. It can be seen that patients with left atrial (LA) size 48 mm or duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) <3 months have a greater likelihood of converting within a shorter time. Furthermore, patients with left atrial size >48 mm or arrhythmia lasting >3 months start to convert late with both drugs.