Cardioversion

Before Your Procedure

• Tell your doctor what over-the-counter and prescription medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
• Take medication as directed. Your doctor may prescribe anticoagulants (blood thinners) for a few weeks. They help prevent blood clots from forming.
• Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of cardioversion.
• Sign your consent form.
• Don’t eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your procedure.
• Follow any other instructions you are given.
• Arrange for an adult to drive you home after the procedure.

During Your Procedure

• Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to record your heartbeat at all times.
• An intravenous (IV) line is placed in your arm. This gives you medication (sedation) that keeps you free of pain. You’ll feel sleepy.
• You will be given oxygen through a soft plastic tube in your nose.
• Pads will be placed on your chest and back. A very brief electric shock is given through the pads. Remember, because of sedation you won’t feel the shock.
• Your heartbeat is watched to make sure the normal rhythm has been restored.

After Your Procedure

• You’ll be monitored until you are fully awake. Then you’ll be able to sit up, walk, and eat.
• In most cases, you’ll be able to go home after the sedation wears off. This usually takes a few hours.
• For a day, the skin on your chest may feel a little sore, like a mild sunburn.
• Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.
• The day after your procedure, try to take it easy. Take medication as directed.
• Call your doctor if you notice skipped beats, a rapid heartbeat, or chest tightness. These may be signs that an irregular heartbeat has returned.