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Guide To Cardioversion

Reasons The Procedure Is Performed

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Cardioversion may be recommended if patients have certain heart rhythm problems. This includes an irregular heartbeat or a too-fast heartbeat. It is more likely to be recommended for patients whose heart condition places them at an increased risk of stroke. Suppose an individual's symptoms are only mild and not interfering with their day-to-day life. In that case, their doctor may decide that the risks are not worth the benefits. An irregular heart rhythm occurs when there is an issue with the electrical signals being sent to the heart.

In most cases, the procedure is scheduled well in advance. However, it may be performed on an emergency basis if a patient develops life-threatening symptoms related to their arrhythmia. Electric cardioversion is the most well-known procedure. It is done by sending electric shocks to the heart while a patient is under sedation. It tends to show more immediate results than chemical intervention. This procedure is different from defibrillation, which occurs on an emergency basis when the heart has stopped beating entirely. It involves the use of more powerful electricity to correct the heart rhythm.

Discover how patients can prepare for their procedure next.

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