Cardioversion

What Is It?

Cardioversion is a procedure done to put your heart back into a normal rhythm.

How Do I Prepare?

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.
• Discuss with your doctor what medications you should take.
• If you are taking medication to thin your blood (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin), you should check with your doctor about stopping these medications before this procedure.
• Medications that your doctor has instructed you to take can be taken with a small amount of water.
• If you wear dentures, they must be removed for the procedure.
• Be sure to arrange transportation. Someone must stay with you at the hospital until discharge and drive you home. Transportation will be verified before the procedure. You may use a taxi cab for your transportation only if you have a person accompanying you other than the taxi cab driver. Your procedure may be cancelled if these arrangements are not made.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• Consent is signed.
• An intravenous needle (IV) is inserted.
• An EKG is done.
• You will be given medication to make you sleepy and relaxed and to minimize discomfort. On occasion, general anesthesia is used.
• Oxygen will be used throughout the procedure.
• The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
• Recovery time is about one hour.