What Are the Risks of Cardioversion?

Cardioversion can sometimes worsen arrhythmias. Rarely, it can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. These irregular heartbeats will occur within minutes of the procedure. They're treated right away with electrical shocks or medicines, so they usually don't cause serious problems.

Rarely, cardioversion can cause stroke or other complications due to blood clots in the heart traveling to other organs or tissues. The risk of this happening is less than 5 percent if you take anticlotting drugs before and after the procedure.