Electrical cardioversion is a procedure in which a brief electric shock is given to the heart to reset the heart rhythm back to its normal, regular pattern (normal sinus rhythm). The shock is given through patches applied to the outside of the chest wall. In some situations an external defibrillator, which has paddles, might be used.
Usually, the person is sedated. If the person is conscious, medicine is given to control pain and to cause the person to relax to the point of being nearly unconscious during the procedure.
Cardioversion is used:
Before electrical cardioversion, you will get medicine to make you sleepy. You should not feel any pain. Then your doctor places patches either on your chest or on your chest and back. The patches send an electric current to your heart. This resets your heart rhythm.
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