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Direct Current (DC) Cardioversion

What is a cardioversion?

 

This is a short procedure that treats abnormal heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias).  When these occur, the normal heart beat pattern is “short-circuited.”  The electric impulses that excite the heart can get caught in a loop and quickly excite the heart over and over again.  Cardioversion is used to treat these short circuits.

 

Before the Procedure

 

  • If you take Coumadin® (warfarin), your INR/PT must be checked by blood tests weekly. Your level must remain in the target range for a few weeks before setting a date for your cardioversion.  Your INR/PT will be checked the day of the procedure along with other blood lab tests.
  • Arrange to have someone drive you home.  You will receive sedation and may be drowsy.  Patients are not allowed to drive themselves home after being sedated.
  • Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before.

 

Day of the Procedure

 

  • Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
  • A doctor, physician assistant, or nurse will explain the cardioversion, its purpose, benefits and risks, and answer your questions.
  • A consent form must be signed by the patient or guardian.

 

During the Procedure

 

During a direct current cardioversion two special pads are placed on the chest wall.  A timed electric “shock” is sent through the pads.  This passes through the chest wall to the heart.  The shock stops the short-circuit and resets the normal heart rhythm.  Sometimes more than one shock is needed.

 

The shocks can be painful.  Drugs will be given through an IV (intravenous) line to help you relax and become sleepy before any shocks are given.  Most patients do not recall the shocks and quickly wake up from the drugs.  This procedure should take less than 30 minutes.  You will be watched closely for a few hours before going home. 


 

 

After the Cardioversion

 

  • You will be closely watched for a few hours while waking up.
  • You may not recall much about the test or events right away.  You may be tired for the rest of the day.
  • You may eat and drink at any time.
  • You may feel like you have a sunburn where the pads were placed on your chest and back. This is not common.  You may apply hydrocortisone cream to the sites, if needed.
  • Someone will need to drive you home.  Patients who receive sedation will not be allowed to drive themselves.
  • Stay on all the same medicines unless told otherwise.
  • Follow-up with your local doctor.

 

Phone Numbers

 

UW Cardiovascular Medicine: (608) 263-1530. 

After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, the paging operator will answer this number.  Ask for the cardiac doctor on call.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 05/08/2007

Copyright © 06/05/2006 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6266

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