Heart Hospital - Procedures
Cardioversion

Why is the physician performing this procedure?

Cardioversion is performed to convert heart rhythm from atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to normal rhythm.

What is the procedure?

The procedure involves delivering a shock to your heart to allow it to return to its normal rhythm. The shock takes only a few minutes. However, pre and post care brings the total time to 2-4 hours.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

The night before the cardioversion:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• Plan to arrive at the hospital two (2) hours before the procedure.

The day of your cardioversion:

• Take your morning medication, if your doctor tells you to, with a sip of water.
• If you take digoxin (Lanoxin, Digitek), ask your doctor if you should take this medicine the morning of your procedure.
• Bring a list of your medicines with you.
• Register at the outpatient desk in the lobby.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form for the cardioversion.

What happens during a cardioversion?

The nurse will:

• Start an intravenous line (IV).
• Obtain an electrocardiogram.
• Monitor your blood pressure, heart rhythm and oxygen level.

Your doctor(s) will:

• Give you medicine so you will not feel or remember the procedure.
• Place patches or paddles on your chest.
• Deliver a shock to your heart to allow it to return to its normal rhythm.

What happens after a cardioversion?

• You stay two to four hours for observation.
• You may have some minimal skin irritation or feel slight muscle soreness on your chest.
• You may be discharged to home or stay in the hospital, depending on the results.
• Your physician will instruct you about medicine changes and other care prior to going home.
• You may not drive the day of the procedure. Please make arrangements for someone to drive you home.
• If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse.

When will I get the results?

You will know the results immediately after the cardioversion. Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you.

6/16/2008