Cardioversion Procedure

An irregular heartbeat can be dangerous. Also called an arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat is a relatively common heath issue. In serious cases, and with certain types of arrhythmias, the individual may be at an increased risk for events such as stroke and heart failure. This is a condition that should be properly assessed and treated by a doctor. If you have an arrhythmia and are seeking treatment options, a cardioversion procedure may be one possibility.

What is a Cardioversion Procedure?

A cardioversion procedure is a medical treatment that aims to restore a regular heartbeat. This is done by using an electrical shock to reset the rhythm of the heart. While that sounds dramatic and can be intimidating for some patients, the reality of the treatment is that it is rather safe and relatively comfortable for the individual. If the treatment is successful, it can help to improve the function of your heart on a day-to-day basis and can improve your overall health outlook for the years to come. The process usually starts with an IV that is used to administer a sedative. This is done to ensure that you don’t feel any pain from the shock while the procedure is performed.

For some patients, the shock that is given to the heart will only need to be done once to get the heart’s rhythm back on track. Other individuals will require more shocks, but you probably won’t remember that part of the process. You can expect to be closely monitored after the work has been completed to make sure everything looks good. Many patients can go home the same day. In all, this is a relatively short procedure that doesn’t have a major impact on your day-to-day life in the aftermath of your appointment.

Another Option For some patients, it might not be necessary to go directly to an electrical cardioversion procedure. Another option is pharmacologic cardioversion, in which medicine is given to get the heart to reset itself.

If you are a candidate for this type of treatment, and it proves to be successful, you won’t need to have the electrical procedure performed. This isn’t going to be a viable option for all patients, so discuss your case with your doctor so you are clear regarding which treatment plan is going to be best for you.

Contact Beverly Hills Cardiovascular Dr. David Filsoof and his staff will be proud to care for you at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular. Whether you wind up needing a cardioversion procedure or some other kind of treatment, we will be happy to serve your needs. Other services offered by our office include CT coronary angiogram, cardiac catheterization, electrocardiogram, and more. Please contact us today for more information or to make an appointment. Thank you for considering Beverly Hills Cardiovascular!