Cardioversion - Indications, Risks, and Preparation

Introduction

Cardioversion is a cardiac procedure used to correct the abnormal heartbeat or abnormal rhythm of the heart. Tachycardia is a cardiovascular condition when the heart beats extremely fast, whereas bradycardia is a condition where the heartbeat is extremely slow. Both of these conditions result in an alteration of the heart's rhythm and are called arrhythmias. An irregular heartbeat, whether fast or slow, may result in cardiac arrest. Chemical cardioversion is another type of medical treatment that tries to restore the heart's rhythm, but it is not the same as regular cardioversion.

Cardioversion is a scheduled medical treatment that the healthcare provider must do in an emergency setup in case the signs and symptoms present in the patient are severe. Medications are given to the patient to fall asleep before delivering the cardioversion shocks. A defibrillator is another device that uses electric shock to result in the proper functioning of the heart. Still, the difference is that it uses a higher and more potent shock level than cardioversion.

To understand cardioversion, mentioned below are a few of the cardiovascular system's anatomical and functional aspects.

• The heart is divided into four main divisions. The upper division has two parts, called the right and left atrium. The lower division has two features, called the right and left ventricles.

• The atrioventricular conduction is the expected electrical impulse conduction between the atrium and the ventricles.

• The AV node or the atrioventricular node is a tiny structure located in the heart. The chief function of this atrioventricular node is to control the flow of the heart's electrical signals that are getting transmitted from the atrium to the ventricles.

• On the other hand, this HPS or the His-Purkinje System must rapidly conduct the electrical signals to the ventricles.

Why Is Cardioversion Required?

A range of cardiovascular diseases and conditions may need cardioversion as a treatment modality. Cardioversion is used as an emergency management system or even in a proper scheduled hospital setup based on the patient's clinical manifestations. The healthcare provider decides if cardioversion is the choice of treatment. Mentioned below are a few of the cardiovascular conditions that require cardioversion as the choice treatment option for staff.

• Atrial fibrillation.

• Tachycardia.

• Bradycardia.

• Heart attack.

• Cardiac arrest.

• Atrial flutter.

• Supraventricular tachycardia.

• Ventricular tachycardia.

What Are the Risks of Cardioversion?

Cardioversion is a successful procedure in most conditions risks and complications are present in any cardiovascular treatment modality. The threat from cardioversion or any dangerous difficulty is quite rare. However, if that happens, the healthcare provider must immediately stop the shock or reduce the amount of electric shock given. Mentioned below are some of the risks that can occur due to cardioversion.

• Less dangerous abnormal rhythms.

• Low blood pressure.

• Heart damage.

• Heart failure

• Skin damage.

• Burns.

• Dislodged blood clot.

• Stroke.

• Pulmonary embolism.

How to Prepare for a Cardioversion?

The healthcare provider and team generally give all the instructions before scheduled cardioversion, such as avoiding eating and drinking anything before the procedure, approximately for twelve hours. Following all the instructions and abiding by the rules provided by the healthcare professional and team is a must to ward off any complications during cardioversion.

At times medications may be suggested by the healthcare provider. In addition, specific tests such as blood pictures or radiographs may be necessary for safe cardioversion. Patients are encouraged to give a detailed account of their drug history and any underlying cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions. A transesophageal cardiography test is a must. This particular type of ultrasound lets the health care provider know about any blood clots in the heart and their location.

How Is a Cardioversion Conducted?

Before choosing cardioversion as the treatment option, the health care provider will explain the steps that are done during cardioversion to make the patient aware and educated about the procedure and help them be mentally prepared and relaxed. Mentioned below are the steps that are done during cardioversion.

• Electrode pads that are soft are gently placed on the chest and the back as necessary.

• The skin where the electrode pads are stuck needs to be saved or shared by the professional steam.

• The electrode pads are connected to the cardioversion machine.

• Anesthesia is given either through the intravenous or oral route to make the patient relax and fall asleep.

• The cardioversion machine has a programmed shock that has high energy.

• This high-energy shock is then passed down to the patient's heart, eventually converting the heart back to its original rhythm and normal function.

• The heart is then closely monitored to catch any signs of complications.

• Cardioversion is a procedure that takes only a couple of minutes, and once done, the patient will immediately wake up.

What Happens After a Cardioversion?

Once the cardioversion procedure is completed, and the patient has woken up, they are monitored closely for signs of complications for many hours. Then, the patient is allowed to leave, provided there is a family member to drive them. Replacing electric parts can lead to some redness and irritation on the skin. Therefore, the healthcare provider will prescribe medicines at the charge of the coagulants and blood thinners to take on a timely basis and ask for a follow-up post a week. If arrhythmia symptoms, other signs, and clinical manifestations present again, the patient should immediately inform the health care provider.

Conclusion

Cardioversion is a treatment option for several cardiovascular diseases. Cardioversion is done in an emergency setup as well as a scheduled appointment. This is purely based on the signs and symptoms that present the patient's underlying condition and the severity of the disease. During cardioversion, the patient is unconscious, and a shock is sent down the heart that resets the problem in the functioning of the patient's heart. Complications are there in cardioversion; nevertheless, skin irritation and burning sensation may persist for a few days. Medications suggested by the Healthcare provider should be punctually taken, and regular follow-ups with the healthcare provider should not be missed. Cardioversion is a procedure of only a few minutes, and patients are allowed to live everyday life and healthy life post cardioversion.