Your Trusted CardioversionTreatment Experts In South Dakota
What is Cardioversion?
A cardioversion is a treatment using electrical energy (or shock) to restore a normal heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. In some cases, patients are started on medication before cardioversion to increase success rates.
The most common form of cardioversion is electrical cardioversion. Intravenous (IV) medications are given to achieve adequate sedation. Pads are placed on the chest, and after a short period of time an electrical shock is delivered to restore a normal heart rhythm. In 10-30 minutes, the sedation medication wears off and the patient is typically discharged.
Risk Factors of Cardioversion
The procedure is extremely safe with high success rates. The risks of the procedure include the following:
Stroke or TIA (<0.3%)
New form of irregular heartbeat, or new heart arrhythmia
Results of Cardioversion
Elective electrical cardioversion success rates depend on the patient. For many, the chance of restoring a normal heart rhythm is greater than 90%. Talk to your cardiologist about your own success rates, and ways to improve your likelihood of success.
Experienced Care for Cardioversion Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you or a loved one have an abnormal heart rhythm, or have been told you may need cardioversion, please call Black Hills Heart and Vascular at (605) 503-8192 to schedule an appointment.
