What is already known on this topic?
Atrial fibrillation is a common diagnosis in the emergency department.
Patients who present with new-onset atrial fibrillation less than 48
hours or are on long term anticoagulation can be safely cardioverted in
the emergency department. Patients who present with symptomatic atrial
fibrillation longer than 48 hours and not on anticoagulation are
traditionally admitted to the cardiology department for evaluation and
treatment.