

Wear comfortable, easy-to-fold clothes when you come to the hospital.You’ll want to keep it simple on the day of your procedure. This includes gum, mints, water, etc.īe careful not to swallow any water when you brush your teeth. DO NOT eat, drink or chew anything after midnight before your procedure. Can I eat before the procedure?Įat a normal meal the evening before your procedure. Take them with small sips of water on the day of your cardioversion. Unless your provider tells you otherwise, take all other regular medications as scheduled. Should I take my blood thinner and diabetes medications?Īsk your provider how you should take your blood thinners/anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin® or Jantoven®), and your diabetes medications or insulin on the day of your cardioversion. You won’t be able to drive for 24 hours after your procedure. You’ll need to make plans to have someone come with you to drive you home. Your healthcare team will give you detailed instructions before your cardioversion. What happens on the day of my cardioversion procedure? Even if you barely notice your symptoms, skipping treatment could lead to more serious problems, like a heart attack or stroke. These symptoms are signs that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to your body. A pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest.Abnormal heart rhythms can cause symptoms including: You may need cardioversion to get your heart rate and rhythm back to normal so your heart can pump like it should. Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (the most common conditions providers treat with cardioversion).If you’re taking this medicine at home, you’ll need to stay in touch with your provider.Ĭardioversion can correct many types of fast or irregular heart rhythms, including: You may receive this medicine in a hospital so your provider can keep an eye on your heart rhythm.

It can work in minutes, hours or even days. Chemical cardioversion (with medicine): Your provider can give you medicine you swallow or receive through an IV.Wires from the device send a shock to your heart whenever you need it. If you’re at high risk for dangerous arrhythmias or your heart doesn’t work well, your provider may put in an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that can correct your rhythm. Electrical cardioversion (with a device): A defibrillator delivers a shock to your heart through handheld paddles or through electrode patches on your chest and back.In other cases, your provider schedules a cardioversion to prevent future problems. A cardioversion can save your life if you’re having a ventricular arrhythmia that could lead to a sudden cardiac arrest.

They can use a device or medicine to change your heart rhythm. Using cardioversion to correct your heart rhythm What is cardioversion?Ĭardioversion is a procedure your healthcare provider uses to put your heart back into a normal rhythm.
