Cardioversion

Your doctor has told you that you have an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) called atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Please refer to the section on atrial fibrillation for further information. A procedure called cardioversion is an attempt to return your heart to a normal rhythm. Cardioversion uses specific doses of energy in the form of a shock to the outside of your chest to correct the arrhythmia. You will need to sign a consent form for the cardioversion.

You will remain connected to a heart monitor for the procedure. Medication will be given through your IV to help you relax and to make you forget the procedure. Two large sticky patches will be applied to your chest. These patches will be connected to a machine called a defibrillator, which is responsible for delivering the energy. After you are relaxed, the physician will program the defibrillator to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to correct your arrhythmia. You will not feel a "shock" when the energy flows through your heart because you will be sedated. This energy flow will attempt to reset your heart into a normal rhythm. Additional shocks may be required at higher energy levels to try to correct your arrhythmia. This shock occurs in less than one second. The entire procedure should only take approximately a half hour.

After the procedure, you will stay in bed until you are fully awake. The nurse will inform you when you can get out of bed. If your skin is sore on the chest or appears red, let your nurse know so ointment can be applied.