Chemical Cardioversion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Chemical cardioversion is medicine given to correct arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is when your heart beats too fast or irregularly. It may prevent your body from getting the blood and oxygen it needs. Your heart has 4 chambers called the atria and ventricles. The atria are at the top of your heart, and the ventricles are at the bottom of your heart. Most arrhythmias that need cardioversion start in the atria.

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 helps 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.

Self-care:

• Manage other health conditions: These include diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or other health conditions that may affect your heart. Ask if you need help to manage these conditions.
  
  
• Limit alcohol: Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
  
  
• Do not smoke: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking can cause further harm to your heart. Ask for information if you need help quitting.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist if:

• You have new symptoms that you did not have at your last visit.
  
  
• You feel like your heart rhythm has gone back to being too fast or irregular.
  
  
• You have new or worsening swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your heart is fluttering or jumping.
  
  
• You feel lightheaded, or you fainted.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You 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 Chemical Cardioversion (Aftercare Instructions)