![]() If electric cardioversion was a scheduled procedure, you can usually go home the same day. You'll spend an hour or so in a recovery room being closely monitored for potential complications. It delivers quick, low-energy shocks to the heart to restore a regular heart rhythm.Įlectric cardioversion usually takes only a few minutes to complete. Wires connect the sensors to a cardioversion machine. If you're having electrical cardioversion, a care provider places several large patches (called sensors, or electrodes) on your chest and sometimes your back. If you're having chemical cardioversion, you'll receive medications through the IV to help restore your heart rhythm. A care provider will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you medications called a sedative to help you sleep during the procedure. During the procedureĬardioversion is usually done in the hospital. Your provider will tell you whether to take any of your regular medications before your procedure. You typically can't eat or drink anything for about eight hours before cardioversion. During that time, you'll usually take blood thinners to reduce the risk of complications. If you have one or more blood clots in the heart, cardioversion is typically delayed for 3 to 4 weeks. Your provider will decide whether you need this test before cardioversion. Cardioversion can make blood clots move, causing life-threatening complications. If irregular heart rhythm symptoms are severe, cardioversion may be done in an emergency setting.īefore cardioversion, you may have an imaging test called a transesophageal echocardiogram to check for blood clots in the heart. How you prepareĬardioversion is usually scheduled in advance. Rarely, some people get minor burns on their skin from the sensors (electrodes).Ĭardioversion can be done during pregnancy, but it's recommended that the baby's heartbeat be monitored during the procedure. Medications or additional shocks can be given to correct the heart's rhythm. If it happens, it usually occurs minutes after the procedure. Rarely, some people develop other irregular heartbeats during or after cardioversion. Some people may be given blood thinners before the procedure. This can cause life-threatening complications, such as a stroke or a blood clot traveling to your lungs.Ī health care provider may order tests to check for blood clots before doing cardioversion. Shocking the heart can cause these blood clots to move to other parts of the body. Some people who have irregular heartbeats, such as A-fib, have blood clots form in the heart. Potential risks of electric cardioversion include:ĭislodged blood clots. Your health care provider can take steps to reduce your risk. Call today for expert consultation and care.Complications of cardioversion are uncommon. We will work with you to treat the fast heart rate, reduce your risk of stroke, and help you achieve and maintain a normal sinus rhythm. If you’ve noticed any symptoms in line with AFib, atrial flutter, or an otherwise abnormal heart beat, it’s important to see a cardiologist for a comprehensive evaluation. Atrial flutter symptoms tend to be less severe, may not always include an irregular pulse, and the risk of stroke is lower. On an EKG, atrial flutter will produce a distinctive “sawtooth” pattern It is difficult to differentiate these two arrhythmias based on symptoms alone.īoth AFib and atrial flutter may cause rapid pulse, irregular pulse, tiredness, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain and tightness, and even stroke. These rapid signals cause the atria to beat more frequently than the ventricles, and a pulse rate of about 150 bpm. ![]() In atrial flutter, the atria receives organized signals, but the signals are faster than normal. In AFib, the atria receive disorganized electrical impulses.This causes the atria to beat out of coordination with the heart’s ventricles, and leads to a rapid and irregular heartbeat. The major difference between AFib and atrial flutter is the organization of the electrical signals in the pathways of the heart. The latter is usually seen in patients with some form of heart disease, or who have undergone cardiac surgery or an ablation. ![]() Atrial fibrillation is more common than atrial flutter.Īccording to the American Heart Association, “at least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib.” On the other hand, atrial flutter is more rare. Read on to learn what separates these abnormal heart rhythms. And while they present with similar symptoms, they are not the same condition. Both occur due to problems with the electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart. Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are types of arrhythmia. ![]()
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