Cardivoversion

[Pat287]

After 5 years in af i had 24 hours tape it varying 88 to 150 got letter saying I should have cardivoversion.My doctor is very surprised at this,and has he is not confident it will work.i don't know what to do.Any advice would be great.

Thanks Peter

[Rellim296]

Surely it's worth giving it a go as it has been offered. If it doesn't work, you are no worse off, but if it does it's a step forward. Even if you revert later, it increases the info available about your heart.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Peter

Very often trying a cardioversion is the first step, they don't often not work at all, but sometimes only put you back into NSR for either seconds (20 the first time they did me) or minutes (2 minutes on the third zap full power) or hours or days. (I was back for 6 hours after 3 months of amiodarone).

BUT they give a really good indication of what the next treatment steps might be because they will give an indication for example, of how successful an ablation might be, AND (I am told) they can get a lot from an ECG of you being back in NSR even for a short time.

I'm a little surprised that this has not been discussed with you, it should be with your EP that you are talking this through.

Be well

Ian

[jeanjeannie50]

I agree with Rellim, give it a go. I've had quite a few cardioversions and wouldn't hesitate to have another. They never fail to put me back into normal rhythm, be it for days, weeks or months and not had one now for about 18 months.

Jean

[Dadog]

As Bob says, it might or might not work - or it will work for a short while or a comfortably long time - as with Jean or myself. 13 months last time and heading that way again. Nothing to be lost and a fair bit to gain on what your AF is all about.

David

[DavDug]

Pat287

You have to start somewhere my friend and this is as good as any. As the others confirm you are gathering more information. Six cardioversions and still blogging! Don't hang about like I did when the process to a successful resolution might be behind you in quite a short time. I am still 'hanging' and hoping after seven years and just about to get the second ablation. The further down the line into permanent AF you go, it seems, the more difficult it becomes to resolve. I think you should be talking to an Electrophysiologist (EP) shortly if the cardioversion is unsuccessful. Take heart! You are not alone by the way. We are all feeling our way in the dark, even the Doctors, Cardiologists and EP's!