

Basic principles and technique of external electrical cardioversion and defibrillation.
HEART ARRHYTHMIA UPDATE
2019 AHA/ACC/HRS focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society in Collaboration With the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Wires connect the sensors to a cardioversion machine. If you're having electrical cardioversion, a care provider places several large patches (called sensors, or electrodes) on your chest and sometimes your back. If you're having chemical cardioversion, you'll receive medications through the IV to help restore your heart rhythm. A care provider will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you medications called a sedative to help you sleep during the procedure. During the procedureĬardioversion is usually done in the hospital. Your provider will tell you whether to take any of your regular medications before your procedure. You typically can't eat or drink anything for about eight hours before cardioversion. During that time, you'll usually take blood thinners to reduce the risk of complications. If you have one or more blood clots in the heart, cardioversion is typically delayed for 3 to 4 weeks. Your provider will decide whether you need this test before cardioversion. Cardioversion can make blood clots move, causing life-threatening complications.

If irregular heart rhythm symptoms are severe, cardioversion may be done in an emergency setting.īefore cardioversion, you may have an imaging test called a transesophageal echocardiogram to check for blood clots in the heart. How you prepareĬardioversion is usually scheduled in advance.
HEART ARRHYTHMIA SKIN
Rarely, some people get minor burns on their skin from the sensors (electrodes).Ĭardioversion can be done during pregnancy, but it's recommended that the baby's heartbeat be monitored during the procedure. Medications or additional shocks can be given to correct the heart's rhythm. If it happens, it usually occurs minutes after the procedure. Rarely, some people develop other irregular heartbeats during or after cardioversion. Some people may be given blood thinners before the procedure. This can cause life-threatening complications, such as a stroke or a blood clot traveling to your lungs.Ī health care provider may order tests to check for blood clots before doing cardioversion. Shocking the heart can cause these blood clots to move to other parts of the body. Some people who have irregular heartbeats, such as A-fib, have blood clots form in the heart. Potential risks of electric cardioversion include:ĭislodged blood clots. Your health care provider can take steps to reduce your risk. Complications of cardioversion are uncommon.
