Restoration of Sinus Rhythm by Cardioversion is Associated With Increased Arterial Stiffness: Implications for Thrombogenesis

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of stroke. While atrial mechanical dysfunction is postulated to be a mechanism leading to stroke there are likely other factors contributing to this pro-thrombotic state. Endothelial dysfunction and decreased arterial elasticity (arterial stiffness) are common in patients with coronary artery disease and are known predictors of cardiovascular mortality. Whether such endothelial dysfunction contributes to the heightened risk of stroke after cardioversion is not known.