Is your heart rhythm irregular? Here's everything you need to know about cardioversion treatment!

Do you sometimes feel like your chest is beating fast, your heart rhythm is suddenly out of whack, or your chest is beating in a very strange way? Sometimes this can be a very scary experience. Today we are going to talk about a special treatment method that doctors use for this kind of heart rhythm disorder. This is called Cardioversion. Don't worry, we will talk about everything very simply.

Simply put, what is Cardioversion?

Cardioversion, in simple terms, is a treatment that doctors use to restore your heart's irregular rhythm to a normal, healthy rhythm. It's like putting a musical instrument back in tune.

Think of it this way: our heart is like a pump that works in a rhythm. When it beats properly, it pumps blood throughout the body. When this rhythm is disrupted, the heart cannot function properly. Cardioversion 'resets' this disrupted electrical signal system and makes it work in a proper rhythm again.

Sometimes, when the heart rhythm becomes severely disturbed (for example, Ventricular Arrhythmia), an emergency condition such as a heart attack can occur. In such cases, this cardioversion treatment is used to save a life. Also, sometimes, even if there is no emergency, there are times when this treatment is scheduled to prevent future problems.

There are two ways to perform cardioversion treatment:

This treatment is mainly done in two ways: by electric shock and by medication. Let's look at each of them separately.

What are the main conditions treated with cardioversion?

This treatment can correct a wide range of fast or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The most important of these are:

• Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter: These are the two conditions for which cardioversion is most commonly used. The upper chambers of the heart (atria) begin to beat very rapidly and irregularly.
• Atrial tachycardia: This is also a rapid heartbeat that starts in the upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular tachycardia: This is a fast, dangerous heart rhythm that begins in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).
• Ventricular fibrillation: This is a very serious, life-threatening emergency. In this condition, the lower chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating. This causes the pumping of blood to stop completely.

Why do I need to have cardioversion?

If you have these symptoms, your doctor may recommend this treatment because these symptoms indicate that your heart is not pumping enough blood to your body.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• A feeling of a pounding inside the chest, like it's beating very fast.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Feeling some discomfort or pain in the chest.
• Dizziness (vertigo) or feeling extremely tired.

You may not notice these symptoms at all. But if they are left untreated, there is a risk of serious conditions such as a heart attack or stroke in the future. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor and seek advice.

How do you prepare for the day of treatment?

Your medical team will give you all the advice you need before this treatment, but there are a few general things you should know.

Before coming for treatment

• Prepare a vehicle: You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after treatment, so it is essential to have someone to drive you home.
• Ask your doctor about your medications: If you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, diabetes medication, or insulin, ask your doctor in advance how to take them on the day of your treatment. Take other common medications as usual with a little water, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
• Food and Drink: Eat normally the night before your treatment. But do not eat, drink, or chew anything after midnight. Not even chewing gum, mints, or water. Also, be careful not to swallow water while brushing your teeth.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

• Clothing: When you arrive at the hospital, wear comfortable, easy-to-take-off clothing. During treatment, you will be required to wear a gown provided by the hospital.
• Do not: Wear makeup. Do not apply nail polish. Do not apply any deodorant, powder, cream, or lotion to your chest or back. These may interfere with the adhesive pads used for treatment.
• Valuables: Leave all your jewelry (including your wedding ring), watches, and other valuables at home.
• Things to bring: Bring a complete list of all medications you take and the amount of each medication you need for one day.

What really happens in the hospital?

When you arrive at the hospital, you will be made to lie down on a bed and an IV line will be inserted into a vein in your arm. This is where you will be given the necessary medications and fluids during your treatment.

Then, EKG leads and special adhesive tapes for cardioversion therapy will be applied to your chest and possibly your back. If there is hair in those areas, it will be shaved off.

Sometimes, before cardioversion, you may need to have a test called a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) . Don't worry. This involves numbing your throat, inserting a very thin tube through it, and taking pictures of your heart. This is to check for blood clots inside your heart. This can be a problem if a blood clot breaks loose during the treatment.

Will I be awake during the treatment?

No. The medication you are given through an IV will put you completely to sleep . So you won't feel any pain or discomfort.

What happens during treatment?

While you are fast asleep, the doctor uses a cardioverter (defibrillator) to deliver a shock of a specific amount of energy to your heart through the attached straps. This shock stops the irregular electrical activity in your heart and allows it to start a normal rhythm again. Sometimes, several shocks may be needed to get the rhythm back to normal. But because you are asleep, you won't feel anything.

The entire process only takes a few minutes, but with preparation and recovery time after the treatment, you will be in the hospital for about four to six hours.

What happens after treatment?

After the treatment is over, you will wake up. You will feel a little sleepy due to the anesthetic. You may have some pain or redness in your chest for a few days. The doctor will prescribe a cream for this.

Once you are fully awake, your doctor will talk to you about the results of your treatment and your plans for the future. Ask them if you need to continue taking your medications as you were before or if you need to make any changes. In most cases, you will need to continue taking your medications to prevent your heart rhythm from getting worse.

After you are transferred to the recovery area, you will be given something to eat and drink, and your family can visit you. Your blood pressure and heart rate will continue to be monitored before you go home.

What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?

Advantages

The biggest benefit of this treatment is that your heart rhythm returns to normal and associated symptoms (such as shortness of breath and dizziness) disappear. Additionally, your heart function may also improve after cardioversion.

Risks or Complications

Complications from this treatment are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.

• Minor redness or temporary damage to the skin where the tape was applied.
• Possibly blueness where the IV cannula was inserted.
• There is a very small risk of a blood clot in the heart breaking off and causing a stroke (TEE is done to minimize this risk).
• Sometimes the heart rhythm gets worse.
• Allergic reactions to the medication used.

When should I see the doctor after I go home?

You will most likely be able to go home the same day of your treatment, but remember that you will not be able to drive for 24 hours due to the drowsiness caused by the anesthesia.

You can go home and do your normal activities. But ask your doctor when you can return to work.

The most important thing is to remember to go to your follow-up appointments exactly on the dates your doctor gives you . It is very important to see how you are responding to the treatment and whether the prescribed dose of medication is right for you. If you feel like your old symptoms are coming back, tell your doctor right away.

Cardioversion is only one part of your treatment plan. It is also important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor, maintain a healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise), and attend your scheduled appointments.

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