What is Cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a treatment used to correct abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, by delivering controlled electric shocks or medications. Electrical cardioversion is done under sedation and restores rhythm quickly, while chemical cardioversion uses drugs to achieve the same goal.
This procedure helps to:
- Restore normal heart rhythm
- Relieve palpitations and shortness of breath
- Improve heart efficiency
- Reduce risk of stroke linked to arrhythmias
- Enhance exercise capacity and quality of life
What to expect after Cardioversion?
Patients are monitored until sedation wears off. Mild skin redness from electrode pads or slight grogginess is common but temporary.
- Mild skin irritation at shock pad sites
- Grogginess from sedative medication
- Immediate improvement in heart rhythm
- Observation in recovery for several hours
- Return to normal activity the next day
