Cardioversion

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Cardioversion is a method to restore a rapid heart beat back to normal. Cardioversion is used in persons who have heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), which can cause the heart to beat too fast.

Cardioversion can be done using electric shock (electric cardioversion) or medications (pharmacologic cardioversion).

ELECTRIC CARDIOVERSION

Electric cardioversion uses a device that can be placed inside (external) or outside (internal) the body.

An external cardioversion is often done during an emergency situation. External cardioversion uses a device called a defibrillator. When the defibrillator paddles are placed on your chest, a shock is delivered to your heart. This shock causes the heart rate to return to a normal rhythm.

People who have a recent arrhythmia (usually atrial fibrillation) or one that can not be controlled with medicines may be scheduled for external cardioversion. Before this is done, tests such as a transesophageal echocardiogram are often done to make sure that there are no blood clots in the heart. Some people may need to take blood thinners before the cardioversion procedure. If you are having a scheduled cardioversion, you will usually be given a sedative before the procedure starts.

After the procedure, you may be given medicine to prevent blood clots and help prevent the arrhythmia from coming back.

Internal cardioversion uses a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). ICDs have two parts: a pulse generator and electrodes (wires). The generator is implanted under the skin, like a pacemaker. The wires connect the generator to the heart. If the heart starts beating incorrectly, the defibrillator will sense it and send an electrical shock to the heart, which returns the beat to normal. The generator battery usually lasts for 5 to 8 years.

An ICD is normally used for treating ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. The severity of these arrhythmias can cause sudden death because of the dangerously fast heart rate. Less often, internal cardioversion is used to treat atrial (upper heart chamber) arrhythmias.