Cardioversion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Cardioversion is a procedure done when you have an abnormal heart rhythm (beat). Abnormal heartbeats are also called arrhythmias. Your heartbeat is controlled by your heart's own electrical system. Problems with your heart's electrical system may cause your heart to beat abnormally some, or all of the time. Your heart has four chambers called the atria and ventricles. The atria are at the top of your heart, and the ventricles are the bottom of your heart. Most arrhythmias that need cardioversion start in the atria, and cause your heart to beat very fast. With an abnormal heartbeat, your body may not get the blood and oxygen it needs.
  
  
• Arrhythmias may cause you to feel weak, dizzy, and have trouble breathing. You also may be at a greater risk for heart failure and stroke. Before your procedure, you may need medicines to thin your blood to prevent blood clots. You also may need tests to check for blood clots in your heart. During cardioversion, a shock of electricity is delivered to your heart to help it return to its normal rhythm. The shocks may be given through paddles or sticky pads placed on your chest or back. Shocks also may be given through a catheter (long, thin, bendable tube) placed into, or near your heart. You may need to be shocked more than once to help your heart return to its normal rhythm. With treatment, your heart rate and rhythm may return to normal, and your symptoms, such as dizziness may resolve. Having cardioversion done may even save your life.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Blood thinners: This medicine helps prevent clots from forming in the blood. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. Use an electric razor and soft toothbrush to help prevent bleeding.
  
  
• Heart medicine: This medicine is given to strengthen or regulate your heartbeat. It also may help your heart in other ways. Talk with your caregiver to find out what your heart medicine is and why you are taking it.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

For more information:

Contact the following:

• • American Heart Association National Center
    7272 Greenville Avenue
    Dallas , TX 75231-4596
    Phone: 1- 800 - 242-8721
    Web Address: http://www.americanheart.org
    
  
  
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new or worsening weakness or tiredness.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel like your heart is fluttering or jumping in your chest.
  
  
• Your skin around the area where the internal catheter was placed is warm, red, or swollen.
  
  
• Your skin around the area where the internal catheter was placed has pus coming from it.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• Call 911 or an ambulance if you have any signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Discomfort in the center of your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain, that lasts for more than a few minutes or keeps returning
    
    
  • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or one or both of your arms
    
    
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
    
    
  • Having trouble breathing
    
    
  • A sudden cold sweat, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
    
    
  • Feeling very lightheaded or dizzy, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
  
  
• You have signs of a stroke: The following signs are an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following:
  
  
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face (may be on only one side of your body)
    
    
  • Confusion and problems speaking or understanding speech
    
    
  • A very bad headache that may feel like the worst headache of your life
    
    
  • Not being able to see out of one or both of your eyes
    
    
  • Feeling too dizzy to stand

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cardioversion (Discharge Care)