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What is Synchronized Cardioversion?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Synchronized cardioversion is a precisely timed introduction of electric current to the heart in order to restore a normal heart rhythm. Cardioversion essentially refers to converting the heart back to sinus rhythm, and synchronized refers to the way this procedure is timed during the heartbeat. There are other forms of cardioversion, such as using medications to restore normal heart rhythm. This treatment should also be differentiated from defibrillation, because it uses much less electricity.

Either pharmaceutical or synchronized cardioversion are the main treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation or flutter. The advantage of using electricity is that it avoids the side effects of many anti-arrhythmia drugs. Also, a single procedure may be a quick treatment for certain arrythmias, although it may not have permanent results.

An electrical current may be introduced to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.
An electrical current may be introduced to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

On the other hand, receiving an electric shock to the chest is painful. Most patients who have synchronized cardioversion need to be anesthetized during it to reduce pain. Not all heart patients are candidates for sedation. Additionally, those who undergo this procedure can be at risk for developing blood clots in the ventricles, so they often need to either use an anticoagulant for about a month prior to the procedure or have a transesophageal echocardiogram performed concurrently with it to look for the formation of blood clots, which if unaddressed, could cause heart attack or stroke.

Those who undergo synchronized cardioversion can be at risk for developing blood clots in the ventricles.
Those who undergo synchronized cardioversion can be at risk for developing blood clots in the ventricles.

These risks aside, this medical procedure has a long history of use and it has been refined with newer, more precise monitoring equipment. In many cases, an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors the patient and is connected directly to the paddles that will deliver the shock. These devices signal the doctor, usually an electrophysiologist, performing the procedure as to exactly when to deliver the current. Continued monitoring of the EKG show whether sinus rhythm has been achieved.

Synchronized cardioversion may put patients at risk for developing blood clots in the heart ventricles, which can cause heart attacks or strokes.
Synchronized cardioversion may put patients at risk for developing blood clots in the heart ventricles, which can cause heart attacks or strokes.

Level of risk in undergoing synchronized cardioversion should be compared to outcome. Only about 20% of people continue to have normal sinus rhythm within a year of the procedure, and it’s not unusual for patients to need more than one electrical cardioversion. Patients may still require anti-arrhythmia drugs in order to prevent future arrythmias.

A doctor will review a patient's records to determine if they are a good candidate for synchronized cardioversion.
A doctor will review a patient's records to determine if they are a good candidate for synchronized cardioversion.

Some patients aren’t good candidates for this procedure. It tends to work less effectively if people have had long-standing problems with arrythmias, or if they have other heart issues like diseased valves or an enlarged heart. People with ventricular arrythmias may not respond well to synchronized cardioversion, either. Patients should discuss with an electrophysiologist their condition and options, to determine if this form of cardioversion or another treatment is the best choice.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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    • An electrical current may be introduced to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      An electrical current may be introduced to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.
    • Those who undergo synchronized cardioversion can be at risk for developing blood clots in the ventricles.
      By: stockshoppe
      Those who undergo synchronized cardioversion can be at risk for developing blood clots in the ventricles.
    • Synchronized cardioversion may put patients at risk for developing blood clots in the heart ventricles, which can cause heart attacks or strokes.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Synchronized cardioversion may put patients at risk for developing blood clots in the heart ventricles, which can cause heart attacks or strokes.
    • A doctor will review a patient's records to determine if they are a good candidate for synchronized cardioversion.
      By: Monkey Business
      A doctor will review a patient's records to determine if they are a good candidate for synchronized cardioversion.
    • Patients who have had long-term problems with arrythmias may not be good candidates for synchronized cardioversion.
      By: sudok1
      Patients who have had long-term problems with arrythmias may not be good candidates for synchronized cardioversion.