During an electrical cardioversion, the patient is sedated to ensure comfort and prevent any pain or discomfort associated with the electrical shock. Electrodes or paddles are placed on the chest and sometimes on the back. These are connected to a defibrillator machine, which delivers a precisely calibrated electrical current to the heart. The entire procedure typically takes only a few minutes, though patients are monitored for a short period afterward to ensure the heart maintains its regular rhythm.

Cardioversion is most commonly used for atrial fibrillation, a condition where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and often too quickly. It can also be effective for other types of supraventricular tachycardias and some ventricular arrhythmias. In some cases, cardioversion is performed as an emergency procedure for life-threatening arrhythmias. However, it’s often planned for chronic or persistent rhythm disorders that haven’t responded to medication or other treatments.

While electrical cardioversion is generally safe and effective, it does carry some risks. These can include skin burns from the electrodes, the formation of blood clots, and, in rare cases, more serious complications like stroke. However, the benefits often outweigh these risks for many patients. Successful cardioversion can immediately improve symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can also reduce the risk of more serious complications associated with long-term arrhythmias, such as heart failure or stroke.

You can expect a thorough explanation of the procedure from your CVG cardiologist. As with all care decisions, your informed input will be a part of the process.

Before undergoing cardioversion, patients may need to take blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. After the procedure, patients can typically go home the same day, but should arrange for someone to drive them. It’s important to follow up with a cardiologist to monitor the heart’s rhythm and adjust medications as needed.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an irregular heartbeat or have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, it’s crucial to seek expert care. Our experienced team of Atlanta heart doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating various cardiac conditions, including those that may require electrical cardioversion.

Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.

You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.