Cardioversion

[Harrycat]

What is the difference between Cardioversion and and Ablation, I have Benin told I am down for Cardioversion, does anyone know how long this procedure takes , days or more?

[Harrycat]

Sorry slip of the finger, it should read I have BEEN told.....!

[Hidden]

Hello Harrycat.....

A Cardioversion - also known as direct current cardioversion - DCCV - is performed to shock your heart back into normal( sinus ) rhythm . This is usually performed in the catheter laboratory of a hospital or the theatre ante room. Basically you will be given a short acting general anaesthetic or heavy sedation so you will sleep through it all.

Large sticky pads with electrodes attached will be put on your chest & a controlled electric shock will be applied. The aim here to convert your heart rhythm back to normal.

This is normally successful but for some this doesn't work. The effect can last for days, months or years .It can be repeated. I have had 14 to date so know quite a bit about them!

Afterwards you are normally allowed home after a couple of hours. In days of yore when I had my first cardioversions it was the custom to stay in overnight following the procedure.

Your INR will need to be in range - 2-3 - for at least 3 weeks before the planned procedure. How long you have to wait for the actual procedure depends on the waiting list in your area . I think 6 weeks is quite common. Mine have all been emergencies so I never had to wait.

An ablation on the other hand is rather different. I suggest you look up details on the AFA website. Briefly it involves destroying parts of the heart tissue causing unwanted electrical impulses . This is done by inserting catheters with small electrodes on the tip into a large vein, normally in the groin, & moved up through the vein into your heart. All clever stuff & only performed in certain hospitals in UK.

Hope this helps!

Regards Sandra

[Harrycat in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much, it seems to be quick and, hopefully, successive I am in permant AF, on Digixon, which is not good, so Cardio seems to a good option . Again thank for the quick reply. Regards

[Hidden]

Not sure if done in your country, but there is also a chemical cardio version, where IV cardiac meds tell your heart to behave. This stopped my first afib episode in just minutes.

[Harrycat in reply to Hidden]

Hmm, don't know! I got the letter, just said Cardio. Guess will have to see, I am in Scotland , so don't know the procedures here. Thank you for your information ....

[Bolander]

I can confirm that cardioversion is painless and relatively quick. As Yatsura implies there is no guarantee how long the effect will last - in my case it has been nearly six months but I could be back in AF tomorrow, Given that ablation is a more complex procedure it's worth trying cardioversion first.

[Harrycat in reply to Bolander]

Thank you , I will go that road soon, appreciate your reply.....

[Harrycat]

Here we go again, day in bed yesterday, pulse racing, 120, now today, I feel nauseous, and aching chest, pulse down to around 70, but hate this, it makes you so tired.......