What To Expect After Cardioversion
You will be closely watched for an hour or so after
the procedure for any signs of complications. Your doctor or nurse will let you
know when you can go home.
You may feel drowsy for several hours after the
cardioversion because of the medicine used to make you sleep. You
shouldn't drive or operate heavy machinery the day of the procedure. You
will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. Until the
medicine wears off, it also may affect your awareness and ability to make
decisions.
You may have some redness or soreness on your chest
where the electrodes were placed. This may last for a few days after the
procedure. You also may have slight bruising or soreness at the site where the
intravenous (IV) line was inserted.
You will take medicine for several weeks to months
after the procedure to prevent blood clots. During this time, you also may take
medicine to prevent repeat
arrhythmias.
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