Electrical Cardioversion - What is it for

Cardioversion is a procedure in which an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert an irregular or fast heart rhythm (called an arrhythmia) to a normal heart rhythm.

During cardioversion, your doctor uses a cardioverter machine (diagram below) to send electrical energy (or a “shock”) to the heart muscle to restore the normal heart rhythm.

Cardioversion can be used to treat many types of fast or irregular heart rhythms. The most common irregular heart rhythms that require cardioversion include atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Life-saving cardioversion may be used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (a rapid, life-threatening rhythm originating from the lower chambers of the heart).

Cardioversion has been recommended by your doctor to restore your heart rhythm to normal, so your heart can pump as it should. It is sometimes done in an emergency setting when fatal arrhythmias occur.

If the cardioversion procedure is recommended for you, please ask your doctor to discuss the specific risks and benefits of the procedure.

Where will the cardioversion be done?

The procedure will be done in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).

Cardioversion has been recommended by your doctor to restore your heart rhythm to normal, so you heart can pump as it should. It is sometimes done in an emergency setting when fatal arrhythmias occur.

If the cardioversion procedure is recommended for you, please ask your doctor to discuss the specific risks and benefits of the procedure.

Is there any other procedure that needed to be done prior to cardioversion?

In cases of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, prior to cardioversion, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure. He would also discuss that a pre-procedure transoesophageal echocardiogram needed to be done. This is to rule out the presence of clot in the heart. Presence of a clot would be contraindicated for the cardioversion, as cardioversion increases the chance of dislodging the clot to the brain, causing a stroke.

Electrical Cardioversion - Symptoms

Electrical Cardioversion - How to prevent?

Electrical Cardioversion - Causes and Risk Factors

Electrical Cardioversion - Diagnosis

Electrical Cardioversion - Treatments

Electrical Cardioversion - Preparing for surgery

Electrical Cardioversion - Post-surgery care

Post-Cardioversion

Will I have to stay in the hospital?

No. In most cases, you would be able to return home the same day of the procedure.

What should I expect during recovery?

You will gradually wake up after the procedure.

Once you are fully awake, the doctor will tell you if the cardioversion successfully converted your heart rhythm to normal. Your doctor will discuss your medications, other treat ment options and when to return for follow-up appointments.

Be sure to ask the doctor if you can continue taking your previous medications.

Once you are fully awake, you will be taken to the general ward where you will be offered something to eat and drink. Your family may visit you in this area. Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.

How will I feel after the procedure?

During the first few days after the procedure, you may feel tenderness on your chest wall where the cardioversion pads were placed.

You may be given a tube of hydrocortisone cream to help relieve skin discomfort on your chest; apply as needed.

The doctor will tell you what over-the-counter medications you can take for pain relief. Please tell your doctor or nurse if your symptoms are prolonged or severe.

The sedation given during the procedure may make you feel drowsy; therefore you should not drive or operate machinery until the day after the procedure.

Will I be able to drive myself home?

No. For your safety, a responsible adult must drive you home. In general, you can resume driving the day after the procedure.

What instructions will I receive before I leave the hospital?

Your doctor will discuss the results of the procedure and answer any questions you have. Be sure to ask the doctor if you can continue taking your previous medications.

You will receive specific instructions about how to care for yourself after the procedure including medication, activity guidelines and a follow-up schedule.