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(Circulation. 2002;106:e176.)
© 2002 American Heart Association, Inc.

Cardiology Patient Page

Cardioversion

Julie B. Shea, MS, RNCS; William H. Maisel, MD, MPH

From The Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass.

Correspondence to William H. Maisel, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cardiovascular Divison, 75 Francis S, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail wmaisel@partners.org

An extract of the first 250 words of the full text is provided, because this article has no abstract.

Cardioversion refers to the process of restoring the heart’s normal rhythm from an abnormal rhythm. Most elective cardioversions are performed to treat atrial fibrillation, a benign heart rhythm disturbance originating in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.

Why Do I Need a Cardioversion?
Normally, each heartbeat starts in the upper right chamber (right atrium) of the heart in a region containing specialized "pacemaker" cells. Each time these cells fire (usually 1 to 2 times per second), they send an organized electrical signal through the heart that results in a coordinated, rhythmic heartbeat. In patients with atrial fibrillation, instead of the normal organized electrical activity, the atria fibrillate (or quiver) because of chaotic electrical wavefronts that circulate throughout both atria. This can result in less efficient blood pumping and an irregular or fast heartbeat. Some patients have no symptoms, whereas others may feel rapid heart action, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Depending on your specific medical history and symptoms, your physician may recommend a cardioversion to return your heart to a normal rhythm.

What Are the Different Types of Cardioversion?
Cardioversion can be chemical or electrical. Chemical cardioversion refers to taking antiarrhythmia medication to restore the heart’s rhythm to normal. Such medications work by altering the heart’s electrical properties to suppress the abnormal heart rhythms and restore a normal rhythm. Your doctor may elect to treat you with antiarrhythmia medication as an outpatient or may choose to admit you to the hospital to give you intravenous or oral antiarrhythmia medication while your heart rhythm is being continuously monitored. The decision of whether or . . . [Full Text of this Article]