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.
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