Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a highly effective procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm and improve your overall heart health. Our team of experienced cardiologists at HeartCare Texas is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
What is cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to restore a regular heart rhythm in people with certain types of irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and atrial flutter. It can be a scheduled procedure to prevent future heart rhythm problems. Cardioversion can even be a lifesaving emergency procedure, particularly in cases of ventricular arrhythmias that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
What is cardioversion vs defibrillation?
Cardioversion delivers quick, low-energy shocks to the heart to correct less severe but persistent heart rhythm issues.
Unlike cardioversion, defibrillation delivers a much stronger shock to the heart. Its purpose is to immediately stop life-threatening arrhythmias that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death.
Types of cardioversion
Electric Cardioversion
This method uses quick, low-energy electrical shocks delivered through sensors (electrodes) placed on the chest. These shocks help reset the heart's rhythm to a normal, regular pattern. The procedure allows healthcare providers to see immediate results, confirming the restoration of a typical heartbeat.
Chemical Cardioversion
This approach uses medications to correct the heart's rhythm. It takes longer to work compared to electric cardioversion and does not involve electrical shocks. Instead, prescribed medications help restore a regular heartbeat over time.
When do you need the procedure?
Common conditions treated with cardioversion include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and certain types of supraventricular tachycardia.
You may need to undergo cardioversion if you experience symptoms that indicate your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, such as:
- A fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest
- Dizziness
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent irregular heart rhythm non-responsive to medication or other treatments
Your cardiologist will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and the severity of your condition to determine if cardioversion is the appropriate treatment option for you.
How to prepare for a cardioversion at HeartCare Texas
We at HeartCare Texas are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive care for your cardiovascular health. Our expert cardiologists specialize in performing cardioversion procedures with precision and compassion, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment for your heart rhythm disorders. Here’s how you can prepare for your cardioversion at our practice:
- Discuss with your healthcare provider any specific instructions for preparing for your cardioversion. This includes guidance on which medications to take before the procedure, especially those that prevent abnormal rhythms.
- Since sedation is typically used during cardioversion, arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
- Don’t eat or drink for at least 8 hours before your procedure.
- Unless instructed otherwise by the doctor, take your usual medications on the morning of your procedure. It’s a good idea to bring a list of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and vitamins, to your appointment.
- If you’re undergoing electrical cardioversion, avoid applying lotions, powders, or ointments to your chest and back for 24 hours before the procedure.
- Our healthcare provider may prescribe blood-thinning medications before the procedure to prevent blood clots.
- Don’t wear any jewelry on the day of your procedure to avoid any interference with the equipment.
The HeartCare Texas team is dedicated to ensuring your cardioversion procedure is as safe and effective as possible.
What happens to the heart during cardioversion?
Our healthcare provider will insert an IV line into your forearm or hand. Through this IV, you’ll receive a sedative to ensure you remain comfortable and asleep during the procedure.
- Chemical Cardioversion: If you’re undergoing chemical cardioversion, we’ll administer medications via the IV to help restore your heart’s normal rhythm.
- Electrical Cardioversion: For electrical cardioversion, we’ll place large electrode patches on your chest and your back. These electrodes are connected to a cardioversion machine that monitors your heart rhythm and delivers quick, low-energy electrical shocks to reset your heart to a regular rhythm.
During cardioversion, the electrical shock delivered to the heart momentarily stops all electrical activity in the heart. This brief pause allows the heart's natural pacemaker to reset and restore a normal, coordinated rhythm. The procedure is quick, and we carefully time the shock to coincide with the heart's electrical cycle, minimizing any risk of complications.
What are the risks of cardioversion?
- Blood clots formed in the heart could be dislodged during the procedure, potentially causing a stroke. We may prescribe blood thinners to mitigate this risk.
- The pads or paddles used during cardioversion can cause minor burns or skin irritation.
- Sedation used during the procedure carries risks, particularly for individuals with other health conditions.
- In rare cases, cardioversion can cause other abnormal heart rhythms, which may require additional treatment.
At HeartCare Texas, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Our team will closely monitor you before, during, and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have any concerns or questions about cardioversion, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you on your journey to better heart health.