What therapeutic approach is often used to convert atrial fibrillation to normal rhythm?

Cardioversion is a therapeutic approach frequently utilized to convert atrial fibrillation back to a normal sinus rhythm. This technique can be performed electrically or pharmaceutically.

In electrical cardioversion, a controlled electrical shock is delivered to the heart, aimed at restoring a normal rhythm by disrupting the abnormal electrical activity of the heart. It is typically employed when atrial fibrillation is symptomatic or occurs in a patient with hemodynamic instability.

Pharmacological cardioversion involves the administration of antiarrhythmic medications, which can help convert atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm by affecting the heart's electrical system. This method might be preferred in patients who are not candidates for electrical cardioversion due to various medical conditions or who wish to avoid the risks associated with electrical shocks.

Pacemaker insertion, while an essential intervention for certain types of heart rhythm disorders, does not specifically address the conversion of atrial fibrillation. On the other hand, medication adjustment could help manage the condition but may not directly convert atrial fibrillation to normal rhythm. Defibrillation is primarily used for treating life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation and is not appropriate for atrial fibrillation, further distinguishing cardioversion's specific role in restoring normal