Cardioversion

Why do I need cardioversion?
You have been scheduled to have a cardioversion because you have an irregular or rapid heart rate.

What is cardioversion?
Electrical shock impulses are given via patches on your chest to the heart to help return the heart rhythm to a slower normal heartbeat. The impulses interrupt the irregular or rapid rhythm of your heart.

How do I prepare for the cardioversion?

• Follow the fasting guidelines given to you by your doctor. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

• Bring a detailed list of all your medications including dosages.

• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you as you will not be able to drive after your procedure.

What will happen during cardioversion?

• Lab work will be done if ordered by your doctor.

• A nurse will place a small plastic tube (IV) into a blood vessel of your hand or arm.

• Electrodes (sticky patches) will be placed on your chest. They will be used to monitor your heart rhythm and to deliver electrical impulses to your heart.

• An anesthesia provider will give you medicine through your IV to make you sleep during cardioversion.

• When you are asleep, the provider delivers the electrical shock to your heart.

• You will be drowsy for a short period of time after the cardioversion and may not remember the procedure.

• The nurse will check your blood pressure and pulse several times until you are fully awake and your heart rhythm is steady.

• Once you are fully awake, you can resume eating and drinking. Start with a light meal.

• You may feel some sunburn-like chest soreness after the procedure. You may put hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera lotion on the sore part of your chest as needed.

• There are times when cardioversion does not improve your heart rhythm and/or your abnormal heart rhythm recurs. Please contact your physician if you feel your heart has returned to an irregular rhythm.

Returning home

• You will be allowed to go home the day of the cardioversion.

• You must have someone drive you home. Transportation after sedation cannot be a cab, driving yourself, public bus or walking.

• It is best if you can have someone stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure.

• Call your doctor if the symptoms you had with your irregular heart rhythm recur.

• Your doctor may want you to take medication(s) after you are discharged from the hospital.

• Take the medicines as prescribed.

• The medicines will help keep your heart in a more normal rhythm. Please contact your physician if you are unable to take any prescribed medications.

• Make sure to take anticoagulant medication as directed by your doctor. 

Post sedation
Do not take medication for pain or sleep during the next four hours, unless told to do so by your doctor. The medicine might react with the medicines you were given in the hospital and cause a much stronger response than usual.

For the next 24 hours:

• Do not drive or operate machinery or other activities that require skilled physical coordination until the effects of the medicines are gone.

• Do not make important personal and business decisions.

• Do not smoke unless someone is with you.

• Do not drink any alcohol.

• Eat a lighter meal and drink clear liquids first. Add solid foods when you are able to eat without nausea or vomiting.

• Your balance may be affected for the next 24 hours. Use the handrail on the stairs or have another adult walk beside you.

• If you are being treated for sleep apnea, it is especially important to wear your CPAP device following moderate sedation. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call your doctor or the emergency department if the person who received moderate sedation for the next 24 hours:

• Cannot be awakened easily

• Has very pale or blue skin around the mouth, fingers, and/or toes

• Has not returned to normal activities after 24 hours

• Continues to have episodes of vomiting

• Develops a rash

• Is having difficulty breathing