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Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation
Electrical cardioversion is a procedure in which an electric current is used to reset the heart's rhythm back to its regular pattern (normal sinus rhythm). The low-voltage electric current enters the body through metal paddles or patches applied to the chest wall. Cardioversion is used:
- To stop atrial fibrillation that has not stopped on its own or after a trial of antiarrhythmic medicines has failed.
- As an emergency procedure to correct a fast heart rhythm that is causing low blood pressure, chest pain, or heart failure.
Before cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, you will be given medicine to control pain and cause relaxation.
See pictures of:
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: November 2, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology | |
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