Cardio version

[WingCommander2021]

Hello I’m new to this AF. Still struggling to find the right levels of bisoprolol to stop this horrendous racing heart. Dr at hospital suggested getting electric shock treatment called cardio version. Has anybody had it? What was it like and did it work? Thanks

[Gazza-id]

Yes I have had it. But unfortunately only worked for 24 hours. I am due another one in 2 weeks, can’t wait. On a different drug - Amioderone - to maximise changes of success.

Cardio version. This is what I have previously written:

“The anaesthetist explained that it says general anaesthetic on outpatient paperwork but is in fact heavy sedation because they do not want you out for too long.

My experience today was they administered the anaesthetic, I felt drowsy and then 15 minutes later was sat up having water, followed by coffee and toast.

It felt like when you watching TV and doze off; you wake up 15 mins later and don’t realise you have been asleep. Felt like a cat nap”.

Not sure if you know but there is an AF sub forum on here that has excellent advice, help and support. You not alone 😀

[WingCommander2021 in reply to Gazza-id]

Thanks for the quick reply. The procedure sounds a lot better than what I had in my head. Disappointing outcome for you though. I hope it goes better for you the second time around. Thanks for the welcome. It’s been a bit of a nightmare week.

[Gazza-id in reply to WingCommander2021]

You can watch a video of cardio version process on BHF website.

I went from 1.25 to 2.5 to 3.75 and then 5mg of Bisoprolol. All trial and error. Had to go back down to 3.75 as 5mg was not good.

Talk to doctor and arrhythmia nurses for advice; I was advised to take at night not during day and made a big positive impact.

Outcome was what it is. This time more optimistic as Amioderone has put me back into normal rhythm several times fora few hours.

You will see on AF forum that your experiences are common.

[WingCommander2021 in reply to Gazza-id]

I’ve been put up to 7.5mg as I had an horrendous night last night from 3am. I take mine at 8am. However I might start delaying it an hour or so to get to taking it on a night as that’s when it gets to me most. I’ll check the video and the AF forum. Thanks for the reply and help. All the best 👍🏻

[beardy_chris]

I've described cardioversion as a load of tests, they try to scare you with possible (but very rare) side-effects. You have a quick nap and they do a whole load more tests and then they give you a sandwich and send you home.

Really nothing to it!

[WingCommander2021 in reply to beardy_chris]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[Putterguy]

Hi Wingcommander, yes I had a cardioversion. I was in AF for two years from my diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. I have written previously about others concern about the procedure. Like you I was concerned however, the process is really good.

Mine was done at the LGI in Leeds, once I was seen by reception I was taken to a quiet waiting room , seen by the cardio nurse he explained the procedure. The anaesthetist then came to talk through what he would do. Nurses kept coming to see me to make sure I was ok, when it was my turn ( they did 5 that morning) I had to take my top off taken into the cubicle, anaesthetist stuck me with cannula( that was the worst part) a pad was put on the front of my chest and one on the back. The next thing I new I was being attended to by a lovely nurse waking me taking blood pressure etc. then cup of tea and toast plus if I wanted a sandwich. I had to stay until I stabilised. Then back home. I had a little discomfort after a bit like sunburn where the pad had been plus a little muscle ache, just a couple of days. My cardio version has so far been successful, I had it in the 29th March and still in sinus rhythm. Fingers crossed I stay like this. I must say that after being in AF for so long I felt instantly better. Nothing to worry about with this procedure.

[WingCommander2021 in reply to Putterguy]

Thanks for the reply putter guy. Very helpful and I’m glad it’s worked out for you 👌🏻👍🏻

[Laurap18]

Hi! I just had a cardioversion last Wednesday. On Monday I fainted and I had heart palpitations, I was admitted to the hospital with a heart rate of 200. Medications weren't helping too much so they told me I had to do a cardioversion. I had never hear of it before, and I was so worried. But it was nothing scary, I was sedated so I didn't even notice. And my heart was beating normally after. I have been prescribed bisoprolol 1.25mg and xarelto 20mg, still not sure for how long. But I am feeling great, like before I got in AF. I haven't been out much since then, but just because I hurt my back when I fainted. And the doctors told me to take it easy this week, but I can come back to a normal life from next week.

[WingCommander2021 in reply to Laurap18]

Thanks Laura. I was similar to you. Woke up last Tuesday 4am heart racing, struggling to breathe etc. paramedics recorded around 180 bpm on ecg. Hospital said I’ve got AF. Bloods and chest X-ray all ok. But struggled to get right dose of bisoprolol so further episodes. Cardio version suggested so after all the helpful replies I’m going to definitely give it a go. I exercised 5 days a week before all this and am desperate for some normality back. Thanks again 👍🏻

[dogsneedwalking in reply to WingCommander2021]

Hello there - I was diagnosed with A Fib last year. Put onto Bisoprolol but kept having 'episodes' The last big one [10 hours in Resus] and none of the usual medications they give you [adenosine, etc] would bring it back down so I had the Cardioversion and spent the rest of the day/night in High Dependancy ward and was sent home next day. Had my first Cardiology appt. last September then November but still no joy with the Bisoprolol. Am now on 40mg twice daily of Sotalol but it is still breaking through this especially on exertion and keeps my Pulse down to as low as 42/45bpm which am finding hard to cope with as extremely tired all the time and hills are a no-no. I hope it works for you because everyone is different. Good luck.

[WingCommander2021 in reply to dogsneedwalking]

That sounds tough going I hope you find a solution soon. I’ve been on 7.5 bisoprolol two days and feel much better. Still not 100% but doubt I’ll get that. I’ve managed to cut the grass and do a bit in the garden without too much hassle. I’ll give cardio version a go and hope it works for me. Thanks for the reply 👍🏻