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What is a cardioversion? A cardioversion is an attempt to restore the heart’s normal electrical activity. If you have an arrhythmia, a cardioversion is one way of restoring normal heart rhythm. Most of the time, these are done electively in an outpatient setting. However, if you have a dangerous arrhythmia or an unstable arrhythmia, you may need immediate cardioversion. What it involves is light sedation and some electrical pads applied to the chest and a shock delivered to the heart. Usually one shock is sufficient. Oftentimes it may require an additional one or two. The shock that’s delivered to the heart will reset the heart rhythm and restore natural electrical function. Most patients report immediate cessation or improvement of symptoms when the heart rhythm is restored back to normal. If you have an arrhythmia, contact your doctor to determine if a cardioversion is appropriate for you.
