Cardioversion

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Before an internal defibrillator is used to perform internal cardioversion, your cardiologist or other health care provider will make sure the electric shock does not make your arrhythmia worse. Once set, the ICD works the same way an external defibrillator would.

PHARMACOLOGIC CARDIOVERSION

Cardioversion can be done using drugs that are taken by mouth or given through an intravenous line (IV). It can take several minutes to days for a successful cardioversion. If pharmacological cardioversion is done in a hospital, your heart rate will be regularly checked. Although rare, cardioversion using drugs can be done outside the hospital, but this requires close follow-up with a cardiologist.

As with electrical cardioversion, blood thinning medicines may be given to prevent blood clots from moving to the heart.

COMPLICATIONS

Possible complications of cardioversion are uncommon, but may include:

• Worsening of the arrhythmia
• Blood clots that can cause a stroke or other organ damage
• Bruising, burning, or pain where the paddles were used
• Allergic reactions from medicines used in pharmacologic cardioversion

Those who perform external cardioversion may be shocked if the procedure is not done correctly. This can cause heart rhythm problems, pain, even death.

Review Date: 07/12/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.