Cardioversion

Introduction
Following a consultation with your cardiologist, it has been decided that you need to undergo cardioversion. This leaflet aims to inform you about the procedures associated with this treatment. Your appointment for the cardioversion is on: …….................……….. day, ………………......................................…………. The procedure will take place on the Beatrix nursing ward (4th floor).

You should already have received a form for a blood test from the secretary.

You must go to the blood test facility (2nd floor) to have blood samples taken one hour before your admission.

What is cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a treatment for patients who have an irregular heart rhythm. An electric shock is used in an attempt to normalise the heart rhythm.

Preparations at home for the electrical cardioversion

• if the procedure is due to take place in the morning, you may not eat or drink anything from 00:00 (midnight). If the procedure is due to take place in the afternoon, you may not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the procedure. However, you may take your medication with water.
• you must continue to take your heart medication as normal, unless instructed not to do so by your cardiologist.
• if you use several different medicines, please bring a list of your medicines with you. Bring your patient registration card with you.
• you do not have to bring sleepwear or toiletries.
• ensure that you have arranged for transport back home. You may be tired and drowsy after the cardioversion as a result of the sedative that you will receive.
• please take note that following the procedure you will spend several hours on the nursing ward to sleep off the effects of the sedative.

Procedure in the hospital

• you will be welcomed and given information by a nurse on the Beatrix ward.
• it is wise to go to the toilet prior to the procedure.
• the nurse will take an electrocardiogram in order to evaluate your heart rhythm at that moment. The doctor performing the cardioversion will evaluate the electrocardiogram.
• the nurse will insert an IV needle and will take a blood sample if this has been requested by the doctor.
• if you have dentures you will have to remove these at this point.
• you will be connected to a defibrillator. A defibrillator is a machine that displays your heart rhythm and that will administer the electric shock – via paddles (electrodes) placed on your chest – to restore your heart rhythm to normal.
• the room will be darkened in order to create a peaceful environment in which you will be able to sleep.
• the doctor will administer a sedative via the IV needle, which will cause you to fall asleep.
• once you are in a deep sleep, the doctor or the nurse will administer an electric shock, causing the heart to return to its “normal” rhythm. Sometimes it is necessary to increase the energy of the electric shock in order to achieve the desired effect. However, this procedure is not successful in 100% of these cases successful in obtaining a normal heart rhythm.

After the cardioversion

If the cardioversion has been successful 
If the electric shock has achieved the desired effect, the electrocardiogram will be repeated in order to record your new heart rhythm. Your heart rhythm, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen saturation in the blood will be monitored whilst you are still sleeping. When the sedative has worn off and you are responsive, you may have a cup of tea or coffee and a light snack if you wish. You may go home once you have received the discharge papers. You can still feel tired for the rest of the day.

If the cardioversion was not successful
The doctor will consult with the cardiologist and determine a course of medication for you. This may require a longer admission in hospital. Your family/friends will be contacted and informed about the further course of action.

Possible complications/discomfort
In general, cardioversion is a safe method of treatment with few risks. The cardiologist treating you will have discussed these risks with you before the procedure. However, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Beatrix nursing ward on tel. 070 - 312 40 25.

Edition: March 2011/123