Cardioversion is a method to restore an abnormal heart rhythm back to normal.

Cardioversion can be done using an energy shock (electric cardioversion) or medications (pharmacologic cardioversion).

ELECTRIC CARDIOVERSION

Electric cardioversion may use a device that can be placed inside (internal) or outside (external) the body.

External electric cardioversion uses a device called a defibrillator.

• Electrode patches are placed on the front and back of the chest and connected to the defibrillator.
• When the defibrillator paddles are placed on your chest, an energy shock is delivered to your heart. This shock briefly stops all electrical activity of the heart and then allows the normal heart rhythm to return.
• Sometimes more than one shock is needed.

Emergency external electric cardioversion is used to treat any abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that is life threatening, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Such a shock can be life saving.

External electric cardioversion may also be used when there is not an emergency.

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Cardioversion Prevention

Review Date: 06/21/2010
Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)