Abstract
Propofol ensures a calm and rapid induction of anaesthesia in case of planned cardioversion for supraventricular arrhythmia. An appropriate level of anaesthesia is obtained with a dose of 1.4 to 2 mg.kg-1. Propofol does not affect the success rate of cardioversion. However, given as a bolus injection, it causes a more pronounced decrease in blood pressure than other induction agents and the rate of apnoea is higher. The incidence of these adverse effects may be reduced by slowly titrating the dose. The frequent association with cardiac disease, in particular valvular disease or coronary insufficiency, should be taken into account and may represent a contra-indication for the administration of propofol. Furthermore, administration of this agent is not indicated if the arrhythmia is poorly tolerated, because of the risk of increasing hypotension. The known advantages of propofol on recovery have no significant role in this indication.
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