Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a medical treatment that uses quick, low-energy shocks to restore a regular heart rhythm. It's used to treat some types of irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. An example is atrial fibrillation (AFib). Sometimes cardioversion is done using medicines.

Cardioversion is done to correct a heartbeat that's too fast or irregular. You may need this treatment if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as: Atrial fibrillation (AFib). Atrial flutter. There are two main types of cardioversion. Electric cardioversion uses a machine and sensors to deliver quick, low-energy shocks to the chest. This type lets a healthcare professional instantly see if the treatment has corrected the irregular heartbeat. Chemical cardioversion , also called pharmacological cardioversion, uses medicine to reset the heart rhythm. It takes longer to work than electric cardioversion. No shocks are given during this type of cardioversion.

Cardioversion risks are uncommon. Your healthcare team can take steps to lower your risk. Possible risks of electric cardioversion include: Complications from blood clots. Some people who have irregular heartbeats, such as AFib, have blood clots form in the heart. Shocking the heart can cause these blood clots to move to other parts of the body such as the lungs or brain. This can cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Tests are usually done before cardioversion to check for blood clots. Some people may be given blood thinners before the treatment. Other irregular heartbeats. Rarely, some people get other irregular heartbeats during or after cardioversion. These new irregular heartbeats usually happen minutes after the treatment. Medicines or additional shocks can be given to correct the heart rhythm. Skin burns. Rarely, some people get minor burns on their skin from the sensors placed on the chest during the test. Cardioversion can be done during pregnancy. But it's recommended that the baby's heartbeat also be watched during the treatment.

Cardioversion is usually scheduled in advance. If irregular heartbeat symptoms are severe, cardioversion may be done in an emergency setting. Before cardioversion, you may have an ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram to check for blood clots in the heart. Cardioversion can make blood clots move, causing life-threatening complications. Your healthcare professional tells you whether you need this test before cardioversion. If you have one or more blood clots in the heart, cardioversion is usually delayed for 3 to 4 weeks. During that time, you usually take blood thinners to lower the risk of complications.