Electrical/pharmacological cardioversion improves structural remodeling of left atrium. We hypothesize that persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with more significant left atrial size reduction after cardioversion have lower AF recurrence rates following radiofrequency ablation. The aim is to evaluate the relationship between changes in left atrial size 3 to 6 months after cardioversion and the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation following radiofrequency ablation.
Patients with estabolished diagnosis of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation during past 6 mnths.
LAD brfore entering the two cohorts is more than 40mm, and less than 50mm.
Pharmacological or electrical cardioversion has be performed successfully.
At least two echocardiograms were performed before and 3-6 months after cardioversion., and confirm the status of LAD (Reversal, unchange, enlargment).
Prior radiofrequency ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation
Prior cardiac surgical procedures
Individuals with cognitive impairments who are unable to give informed consent