Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion is the delivery of a jolt of electricity to restore a normal rhythm to the heart. A rhythm that is too fast or is not regular keeps the heart from pumping well. In this procedure, sticky patches or metal paddles are placed on the chest to deliver electricity to the heart from a device.
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There is low or no blood pressure as a result of the heart rhythm.
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Normal rhythm must be restored as fast as possible to protect the brain and heart from further damage.
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It may save a life.
This may also be a scheduled procedure for irregular or fast heart rhythms that are not immediately life-threatening.
Tell a health care provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
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Any blood disorders you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Allergic reactions to medicines.
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A blood clot that breaks free and travels to other parts of your body.
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The possible return of an abnormal heart rhythm within hours or days after the procedure.
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Your heart stopping (cardiac arrest). This is rare.
What happens before the procedure?
Medicines
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Your health care provider may have you start taking:
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Blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants) so your blood does not clot as easily.
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Medicines to help stabilize your heart rate and rhythm.
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Ask your health care provider about:
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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General instructions
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
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Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
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If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
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Ask your health care provider what steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include washing your skin with a germ-killing soap.
What happens during the procedure?
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An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
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Sticky patches (electrodes) or metal paddles may be placed on your chest.
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You will be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
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An electrical shock will be delivered.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What can I expect after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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Your heart rhythm will be watched to make sure it does not change.
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You may have some redness on the skin where the shocks were given.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a sedative during your procedure.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Ask your health care provider how to check your pulse. Check it often.
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Rest for 48 hours after the procedure or as told by your health care provider.
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Avoid or limit your caffeine use as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You feel like your heart is beating too quickly or your pulse is not regular.
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You have a serious muscle cramp that does not go away.
Get help right away if:
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You have discomfort in your chest.
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You are dizzy or you feel faint.
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You have trouble breathing or you are short of breath.
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Your speech is slurred.
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You have trouble moving an arm or leg on one side of your body.
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Your fingers or toes turn cold or blue.
Summary
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Electrical cardioversion is the delivery of a jolt of electricity to restore a normal rhythm to the heart.
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This procedure may be done right away in an emergency or may be a scheduled procedure if the condition is not an emergency.
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Generally, this is a safe procedure.
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After the procedure, check your pulse often as told by your health care provider.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
