Cardioversion

Cardioversion is needed to get the heart rate and heart rhythm back to normal and allow the heart to pump the way that it should. 
The cardioversion procedure is performed when the heart rhythms are abnormal and the following symptoms are seen:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest
• Dizziness
• Extreme fatigue

The above symptoms may indicate that the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body. Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to get treatment, as without treatment it could lead to serious complications like a heart attack or stroke (the blood supply to the brain is stopped).

1. Physical examination: The doctor will assess you physically. Your medical history and family history are noted by the doctor.

2. Blood tests: This is a lab test to check the various elements in your blood. It also helps in diagnosing underlying medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders.

3. X-rays: A chest x-ray may help in checking any abnormalities that may be present in the heart, lungs, bones, and blood vessels.

4. Echocardiogram (echo): An ultrasound is used to create images within the heart. This is done by using high-frequency sound waves.

5. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart, and helps in diagnosing the various heart disorders.

6. Transesophageal echocardiogram: This test helps in checking for the presence of any blood clots in the heart. The blood clots can break free during cardioversion leading to life-threatening complications. In case of the presence of blood clots, the cardioversion procedure is delayed for three to four weeks. The doctor will prescribe blood-thinning medications during this time to reduce the risk of complications.
   

1. Medications will be given through an IV (intravenously) to help you fall asleep during the procedure so that you do not experience any pain from the shocks.

2. Several large patches are known as electrodes are placed on your chest.

3. The electrodes are connected to a cardioversion machine known as a defibrillator using wires.

4. The machine helps in recording the rhythm of your heart and delivering shocks to your heart for restoring a normal heart rhythm.

5. This machine also helps in correcting the heart’s rhythm if it beats too slowly after a cardioversion procedure.

6. The procedure takes only a few minutes to complete.

The complications involved with the cardioversion procedure include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Low blood pressure

• Discomfort in the chest area

• Allergic reactions to the medicines used

• Blood clots

• Organ damage

• Stroke

• Pain, bruising, or burning sensation in the area where the electrodes were used

• Worsening of the arrhythmia
  

• The cardioversion procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home on the same day the procedure has been performed.
• You will be spending approximately an hour in the recovery room, and be closely monitored for complications.
• Someone will be needed to drive you home.
• You will feel drowsy for a couple of hours due to the medications given during the procedure.
• It is normal to have some redness or soreness in the chest that may last for a few days after the procedure.
• The doctor may prescribe hydrocortisone (corticosteroid) cream to be applied to the chest region to relieve the tenderness over the chest.
• Even if no blood clots were found before the procedure, the doctor may recommend taking blood-thinning medications for several weeks after the procedure to prevent the formation of new blood clots.
• The doctor will call you in a few weeks for an electrocardiogram to check if your heartbeat is still regular.