Cardioversion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Cardioversion is a procedure to correct arrhythmias, which is when your heart beats too fast or irregularly. Arrhythmias may prevent your body from getting the blood and oxygen it needs. Cardioversion delivers a shock of electricity to your heart to help it return to its normal rhythm.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Blood thinners: Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are taking a blood thinner:
  
  
  • Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin and a soft toothbrush on your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports, such as football.
    
    
  • Be aware of what medicines you take. Many medicines cannot be used when taking medicine to thin your blood. Tell your dentist and other caregivers that you take blood-thinning medicine. Wear or carry medical alert information that says you are taking this medicine.
    
    
  • Take this medicine exactly as your primary healthcare provider tells you. Tell him right away if you forget to take the medicine, or if you take too much. You may need to have regular blood tests while on this medicine. Your primary healthcare provider uses these tests to decide how much medicine is right for you.
    
    
  • Talk to your primary healthcare provider about your diet. This medicine works best when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and other foods, such as cooked peas and kiwifruit.
  
  
• Heart medicine: This medicine is given to strengthen or regulate your heartbeat.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your cardiologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your cardiologist if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new or worsening weakness or tiredness.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You feel like your heart is fluttering or jumping in your chest.
  
  
• You feel lightheaded or you have fainted.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• You have discomfort in your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain.
  
  
• You have pain or discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm.
  
  
• You have weakness or numbness in part of your body.
  
  
• You have sudden trouble breathing.
  
  
• You become confused or have difficulty speaking.
  
  
• You have dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss.

Learn more about Cardioversion (Aftercare Instructions)