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Cardioversion

A cardioversion is a non-surgical procedure that can change, or "convert," an irregular heartbeat to a normal, regular rhythm.

The heart is a muscular organ about the size of a closed fist. It pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body. For the heart to do its work, it needs a "spark plug," or electrical impulse, to start a heartbeat. It receives this impulse or signal from special tissue (sinus node) in the heart. The electrical impulse causes the heart muscle to contract.

The heart's electrical system and muscle work together to effectively pump blood. Usually the heart beats regularly, but sometimes the heart beats irregularly. An irregular heartbeat can occur after heart attack or heart surgery. It may also occur with heart valve disease or other diseases not related to the heart. One cause of an irregular heartbeat is atrial fibrillation. Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Others may feel palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness or fatigue during episodes of atrial fibrillation.

Your doctor may first use medicines to change your atrial fibrillation to a regular rhythm. If medicines do not work, an electrical cardioversion may be needed. This procedure uses small amounts of electrical current given through patches or paddles placed on the chest. The electrical current is used to restore your heart to a normal regular rhythm.

Before the Treatment

  • To prepare for the procedure, you may have blood tests, an ECG (electrocardiogram) and a chest X-ray.
  • The night before the procedure, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • You may take any medicine ordered by your doctor with small sips of water.

Day of the Treatment

Arriving at the Hospital
Parking is available.

Preparing for the Treatment

  • The doctor doing the cardioversion will explain the procedure and its benefits and risks. After your questions are answered, you will be asked to sign a written consent form. An anesthesiologist will discuss the medicine used during the procedure to relax you.
  • Before the cardioversion, a nurse will place an intravenous (IV) line in your hand or arm. The IV is used to give medicines and fluids.
  • A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm, and a monitor, similar to an ECG, will check your heart rhythm during the procedure.
  • You will also be asked to remove eye glasses, dentures or partial plates, and empty your bladder.
  • The procedure is generally done in your hospital room.

During the Treatment

You will be connected to an additional cardiac monitor and two patches or paddles will be placed on your chest. These patches or paddles are connected to a cardioversion/defibrillator machine that supplies the electrical current.

An oxygen mask will be placed over your nose and mouth as the anesthesiologist gives you IV medicine to relax you. Once you are relaxed and asleep, small shocks will be given using the patches or paddles. One or more shocks may be needed to convert your heart to a normal rhythm. After the Treatment Once the procedure is completed, you will be awakened. The procedure lasts less than one hour. You will probably not be aware of the procedure or remember what happened.

Your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm will be checked frequently by your nurse. You will need to remain in bed for four to six hours depending on your doctor's orders.

Once you are fully awake and able to easily swallow water, you may resume your regular diet. Your heart rhythm will be monitored during this time and an ECG will be done. Once the patches are removed from your chest, you may notice some redness, pain, irritation or itching. Sometimes creams may be used to reduce this discomfort.

Going Home

  • After being discharged, do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
  • There are no other restrictions to your activity. Your doctor will discuss any needed medicines and follow-up visits.

Contact
Electrophysiology (EP) Department
(312) 926-4753


Review Date: 12/04