What procedure is done for irregular heartbeat?

Cardioversion is a procedure used to return an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm. This procedure is used when the heart is beating very fast or irregular. This is called an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can cause problems such as fainting, stroke, heart attack, and even sudden cardiac death.

How long does it take to recover from cardioversion?

Recovery. You’ll stay in the hospital for about an hour to recover from the procedure. Make sure you have someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours as you recover. You should be able to go back to work and your regular activities the next day.

Is heart ablation major surgery?

This is major surgery. You’ll spend a day or two in intensive care, and you may be in the hospital for up to a week. At first, you’ll feel very tired and have some chest pain. You can probably go back to work in about 3 months, but it may take 6 months to get back to normal.

Are you awake during cardiac ablation?

For some ablations, you will be under general anesthesia and on a breathing machine temporarily; for others you may be only lightly sedated and more awake. Your doctor and anesthesiologist will determine the best type of anesthesia to give you during your procedure.

What happens if cardioversion fails?

If external cardioversion fails, then internal cardioversion may be done and involves delivering the jolt of energy through catheters inside the heart. Once you wake up following the electrical cardioversion, you can go home, but will need to have someone drive you.

Are you awake during a heart ablation?

How painful is cardiac ablation?

Most people do not feel pain during the procedure. You may sense mild discomfort in your chest. After the ablation is over, your doctor will remove the guide wire and catheters from your chest.

How do doctors treat irregular heartbeats?

Your doctor may give you one or more medicines to bring back your regular heartbeat. This is called pharmacologic (chemical) cardioversion. Doctors also restore regular rhythms by sending an electrical shock to the heart. This is called electrical cardioversion. Arrhythmias may prevent blood from circulating properly to your heart and brain.

How do doctors restore rhythm to the heart?

Doctors also restore regular rhythms by sending an electrical shock to the heart. This is called electrical cardioversion.

What controls the rhythm of the heart?

Your heart’s electrical system controls your heartbeat, beginning in a group of cells at the top of the heart (sinus node) and spreading to the bottom, causing it to contract and pump blood. Aging, heart muscle damage from a heart attack, some medications and certain genetic conditions can cause an abnormal heart rhythm.

What is cardioversion for irregular heart beats?

If your heart has an irregular (uneven) beat or is beating too fast, cardioversion is a way to restore a regular rhythm. Abnormal heart rhythms are called arrhythmias. There are two kinds of cardioversion. Your doctor may give you one or more medicines to bring back your regular heartbeat.