Restoring the Heart to a Normal Beat

A Cardioversion is a procedure to restores the heart to normal rhythm. We perform this procedure in the hospital as a same day or short stay and will be determined by your physician’s preference for you. During the procedure, you’ll be given medication to keep you in a light sleep and free from pain. Then the doctor gives you a brief electric shock. This helps your heartbeat become normal again. In most cases, you can go home the same day as the procedure.

To prepare for this procedure you must review all medication, herbs, and supplements that you are taking to obtain proper instruction as to take or stop prior to the procedure. Your should take medications as directed by your physician, including new/additional medications prescribed prior to the procedure. At times your physician may prescribe blood thinners for several weeks. This will help prevent blood clots from forming. You will be requested to sign a consent for that gives the physician to perform this procedure. Do cannot eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure. Please be sure to follow all instructions that are given to you. Prior to you procedure, make arrangements with an adult to drive you home after your procedure that day.

During the procedure your blood pressure and heart rhythm are closely monitoring by a registered nurse who is trained in cardiac procedures. Small pads or electrodes will be placed on your chest to record your heartbeat at all times. An intravenous or IV line is placed in a vein in your arm, which gives you medication or sedation, during the procedure. You will also have a plastic tube in your nose so you can receive oxygen during the procedure. The nurse will place pads on your chest and back which allows the physician to administer a very brief shock – the sedation keeps you from feeling this small shock. Your heartbeat is watched to make sure the normal rhythm has been restored.

After this procedure you will be monitored until you are fully awake. You will then be able to sit up, walk and have something to eat. In most cases you will be able tog o home after the sedation wards off which takes a few hours. For a day or so after the procedure your chest may feel a little sore like mild sunburn. It is recommended that you NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.

When you are back on track, after your procedure, try to take it easy and take all medication as directed. Call your physician if you notice skipped beats, a rapid heartbeat, or chest tightness. These may be signs that an irregular heartbeat has returned.