Cardioversion
What is it?
Cardioversion refers to the process of restoring the normal heart rhythm from an abnormal rhythm. Most elective cardioversions are performed to treat atrial fibrillation, a benign heart rhythm disturbance originating in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.
Cardioversion refers to the process of restoring the normal heart rhythm from an abnormal rhythm. Most elective cardioversions are performed to treat atrial fibrillation, a benign heart rhythm disturbance originating in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.
Why Is It Done?
The purpose of the cardioversion is to interrupt the abnormal electrical circuit(s) in the heart and to restore a normal heartbeat. In patients with atrial fibrillation, instead of normal organised electrical activity, the atria fibrillate (or quiver) because of chaotic electrical activity that circulate throughout both the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). This can result in less efficient blood pumping and an irregular or fast heartbeat. Some patients have no symptoms, whereas others may feel rapid heart beating, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Depending on your specific medical history and symptoms, you may be advised to have a cardioversion to return your heart to normal rhythm. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardioversion/basics/definition/prc-20012879 |
What To Expect?
Cardioversion is usually a scheduled procedure that's performed in a hospital, and you should be able to go home the same day as your procedure. The procedure itself is very quick and then afterwards you’ll spend about an hour in a recovery room being closely monitored for any complications. Cardioversion is usually done while you're sedated with electric shocks, administered through electrodes attached to your chest. Generally after the procedure you will awake quickly and without any recollection of the shocks due to the effects of the sedatives. Before the shocks are delivered, a nurse or technician will insert an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. The IV line is used to give you medications that will make you sleep during the procedure so that you won't feel any pain from the shocks. Your doctor may also use the IV line to give you additional medications that can help restore your heart rhythm. It will be necessary to fast before the procedure. Your doctor will advise you how long you will need to fast for and whether you should take any of your regular medications before the procedure. If you do take medications before the procedure, sip only enough water to swallow your pills. Before cardioversion, you may have a procedure called a transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) to check for blood clots in your heart, which can be dislodged by cardioversion, causing life-threatening complications. The cardiologist will decide if you need a transesophageal echocardiogram before cardioversion. In a transesophageal echocardiogram, your throat is numbed and a flexible tube (catheter) with a transducer attached is guided down your throat and into your esophagus, which connects your mouth to your stomach. From there, the transducer can obtain more-detailed images of your heart so that your doctor can check for blood clots. If your doctor finds blood clots, your cardioversion procedure will be delayed for a few weeks while you take blood-thinning medications to reduce your risk of complications. You should not drive after the procedure and should arrange for someone to drive you home. |