Normally, the heart has a strong, steady beat. That beat is controlled by the heart's electrical system. Sometimes the system misfires, causing an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). In atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers quiver (fibrillate). The lower chambers beat without a regular rhythm and may beat too fast. This may cause symptoms, such as feeling dizzy, tired, or short of breath. It also can make you more likely to have a stroke.
Electrical cardioversion is one treatment option to try to stop atrial fibrillation and keep it from returning. It can also relieve symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
First, you'll get medicine through a vein to block pain and make you sleepy (IV sedation). Then a doctor will put patches on your chest or on your chest and back. After you are sedated enough, the doctor delivers a brief electric shock to your heart through the patches. This resets your heart rhythm.
You may take rhythm-control medicines (antiarrhythmics) before and after cardioversion. This can make it more likely that your heart rhythm will return to normal and stay there. You will likely take a blood-thinner medicine (anticoagulant) to prevent blood clots before and after the procedure. This medicine lowers your risk of a stroke.
For most people, cardioversion restores a normal heart rhythm right away. But atrial fibrillation often comes back. Normal rhythm may last less than a day or for weeks or months. How long it lasts depends on a few things. These include how long you've had atrial fibrillation, what's causing it, and whether you have another heart problem. Taking antiarrhythmic medicines can help you stay in a normal rhythm longer.
Your doctor can help you understand how well cardioversion might work for you.
If your atrial fibrillation returns, talk with your doctor about your next treatment options. You may choose to have cardioversion again. Or your doctor might recommend a different treatment, such as catheter ablation or medicines to control your heart rate or rhythm.
No matter what treatment you choose, it's important to take steps to prevent a stroke, manage other health problems, and have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Cardioversion does have some risks. For example:
Your doctor can help you weigh your personal risks against the possible benefits of cardioversion.
| Try cardioversion | Don't have cardioversion | |
|---|---|---|
What is usually involved?
| What is usually involved?
| |
What are the benefits?
| What are the benefits?
| |
What are the risks and side effects?
| What are the risks and side effects?
|
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I was just diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I decided to have cardioversion to see if it stops the unhealthy rhythm for a while."
— Raymond, age 45
"I didn't even know I had atrial fibrillation until my doctor found it during a physical exam. I have a couple of friends who went through a lot to get back to a normal rhythm, and it just seemed like too much trouble and then it didn't even work. Since I am not having symptoms, I think I will just take the medicines to control my heart rate and prevent strokes and not worry about it."
— Tom, age 61
"I had a cardioversion a long time ago, and it worked for a good while. I don't like the symptoms I've having now, so I'm going to try cardioversion again."
— Margarita, age 82
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to try cardioversion
Reasons not to try cardioversion
The idea of having a brief electrical shock doesn't bother me.
The idea of having a brief electrical shock worries me.
My symptoms bother me a lot.
I don't have symptoms, or they don't really bother me.
I'm comfortable having a procedure.
I'm not comfortable having a procedure.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having cardioversion
NOT having cardioversion
1. Will cardioversion get your heart to a normal rhythm for good?
2. Are there other ways to relieve my symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | John M. Miller MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine |