Cardioversion

What is Cardioversion?

Cardioversion is a way to restore your heart’s normal rhythm.  When your heartbeat is irregular, medicine is often used first to try to correct the rhythm of your heart.  If that doesn’t work, cardioversion may be the next step.  During this procedure, you are given a small, brief electrical shock by a doctor.  The shock helps your heartbeat become normal again.

Before your procedure

Be sure to tell the doctor what medicines you take.  Your doctor may ask you to take anticoagulants (blood thinners) for a few weeks.  This helps prevent blood clots from forming.  Your doctor will explain to you why you need cardioversion, as well as any risks.  You will also be asked to sign a consent form.  Do not eat or drink anything before your procedure except for your medications.  Take all of your normal medications with just enough water to get them down.  Be sure to follow any other instructions you were given.

During your procedure

Small electrodes (pads) are placed on your chest to record your heartbeat at all times.  An intravenous (IV) line is placed in your arm to give you medication to sedate you (make you sleepy).  You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.  You will be given oxygen through a soft plastic tube in your nose.  Then, a very brief, low-dose electric shock is given through pads on your chest and back.  Your heartbeat is watched to make sure the normal rhythm has been restored.

After your procedure

You will need to stay at the office usually a minimum of 2 hours after your procedure.  You can sit up, walk, and have something to drink or snack on as soon as you are fully alert.  For a day, the skin on your chest may feel a little sore, like a mild sunburn.  You can treat it like a sunburn and use aloe cream or solarcaine to alleviate discomfort.