What are the benefits and risks of antithrombotic therapy for AF patients undergoing elective cardioversion?
Patients with AF undergoing elective cardioversion may benefit from anticoagulation therapy in terms of reducing the risk of stroke, systemic embolism, intracranial hemorrhage (subdural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral), and major extracranial hemorrhage. However, there are also risks associated with anticoagulation therapy such as increased risk of death, MI, and vascular death. The benefits and risks of antithrombotic therapy for AF patients undergoing elective cardioversion can be studied through systematic review randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.