Cardioversion restores a normal heart rhythm in people whose heart is beating irregularly or too rapidly, most often in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. A controlled electrical shock, timed with the heartbeat, resets the rhythm. Medicines can also be used to achieve the same effect.

Patients searching for a heart specialist in Mumbai at Apex are assessed with ECG and echocardiography. Because an irregular rhythm can allow clots to form inside the heart, patients usually take blood thinners for several weeks before the procedure, or a transoesophageal echocardiogram is done to rule out any clots. Fasting is required, and the doctor reviews all medicines.

The shock is delivered through pads on the chest while the patient is under brief anaesthesia, so the person feels nothing. It takes only minutes, and most patients go home the same day. Blood thinners continue for at least four weeks afterwards, and often longer, to protect against stroke. The rhythm may return, and the doctor discusses ways of keeping it controlled, which can include medicines or ablation.

How the Procedure Can Help

It can quickly relieve palpitations, breathlessness and tiredness caused by an abnormal rhythm.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include stroke from a clot, skin burns from the pads, other rhythm disturbances and reactions to anaesthesia. Sudden weakness, speech difficulty, chest pain or fainting afterwards is an emergency. The rhythm can return, so follow-up is needed.