Who Needs Cardioversion?
You may need cardioversion if you have an
arrhythmia
that's causing troublesome symptoms. These symptoms may include dizziness,
shortness of breath, extreme fatigue (tiredness), and chest discomfort.
Atrial
fibrillation (A-tre-al fi-bri-LA-shun), or AF, is the most common type of
arrhythmia treated with cardioversion. In AF, the electrical signals travel
through the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) in a fast and disorganized
way. This causes the atria to quiver instead of contract.
Atrial flutter, which is similar to AF, also may be
treated with cardioversion. In atrial flutter, the electrical signals travel
through the atria in a fast, but regular, rhythm.
Less commonly, you may have cardioversion to treat a
rapid heart rhythm in the lower chambers of your heart.
You may need cardioversion on an emergency basis if
your symptoms are severe. However, you usually schedule this procedure in
advance.
Cardioversion may not be right for you if you have
other heart conditions as well as an arrhythmia. Talk to your doctor about
whether cardioversion is an option for you. |