Cardioversion

[Beaky-Pompino]

I am going for a Cardioversion in 6 weeks for my Persistent Afib, so am on Eliquis in preparation to accompany my (delightful!) Bisoprolol.

How successful is the procedure? Any poll anywhere? I have heard that a lot of people revert back to AF in as little as a few days, even my consultant said that the success rate is not that high and if unsuccessful the Ablation is the way to go for me in the future.

As its a quick non-invasive procedure I have decided to go for it, the ablation however is a different kettle of fish and the jury is still out on that one.

[CDreamer]

I’ve not had one OH did - lasted 8 seconds. He was put on Amiodarone - not a nice drug - but it has worked for him very well.

If your CV works even for a few seconds it is a good indicator that you can revert back to NSR so don’t worry about how long it lasts - for some it can be months or years - but focus on even a few seconds of NSR is a good sign that you can be converted.

[Desanthony]

I have had 3 Cardioversions for persistent AF all of them were successful. The first for nearly a year. I think I put myself back into AF lifting a heavy box that time - though I did have a bit of a chest infection too so possibly a mix of both. Second one didn't last that long as I had a total knee replacement a month after - the op went well and so did the early recovery but once the more rigorous physio started it came back. I had another earlier this year which is still working and am waiting for an ablation - I should have been having that this month but it has now been postponed for 3 months because of Covid 19.

If you go back into NSR even for a short while then it indicates that further procedures like ablation will work for you.

[Jalia]

I've had AF for over 27 years ( not continuously...) and during that time have had 20 dc cardioversions. A couple have lasted 4/5 years, many 12+ months and some 3/6 months! I think that one lasted a matter of weeks. My last one was 7 weeks ago. I am listed for ablation no 4 but in the current corona virus climate will not be expecting that for at least 18 months .

I'm also on an antiarrhythmic drug....Disopyramide. When this drug was unavailable I had been placed on either Dronedarone or Amiodarone to support me either side of the procedure.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think you need to start with the knowledge that cardioversion is not a cure for anything. The main purpose is to find out IF you can revert to NSR and if so do you feel better in NSR.

Some people find that they remian in NSR for months which is fine but others as you say are either unable to be in normal sinus rhythm, or only stay for a few minutes or hours.

It is the result of the cardioverion (DCCV) which can sign post the next treatment options such as ablation which would be pretty pointless if no NSR was obtained.

Any and All treatment for AF is only about improved quality of life (QOL) and since being in normal rhythm does not materially affect life expectancy so long as rate is well controlled rhythm control drugs , rate control drugs or ablation need to be assessed for best fit in each case.

In other words if DCCV does not succeed then rate control would be the way forward.

I recommend that you go to AF Association main website and read all you can as knowledge is power.

[Paulbounce]

Normal rhythm after a succesful CV could last 2 minutes or 2 years - it's luck of the draw. From memory my first one lasted about 3 months, second one a few days and my third is still going strong - not far off 12 months now.

I started on Flecancide for the last and it really seems to work for me. I'm convinced it's keeping me in sinus. There's nothing to the procedure by the way so need to worry. I was a nervous wreck before my first one - afterwards I was angry with myself for making such a fuss.

Good luck with it.

Paul

[jeanjeannie50]

Cardioversions have always worked for me (have had lots), but I need another one now as been back in AF for quite a while. Will give my AF nurse at our main hospital a call sometime, I doubt very much they'll still be doing them with the virus situation. Not sure I want to go anywhere near that hospital right now either!

There really is nothing to the procedure, they put you out for a few minutes, give you the quick shock, you wake up a little later - cured hopefully. It's the most wonderful feeling to be back in normal rhythm. They usually like you to eat and drink something before you leave and generally give you toast and tea. Let us know how you get on please.

Jean

[harrigate1]

You should have been on Eliquis, AKA Apixiban from the start of AF. AF causes clots to form in the heart.

I've had 2 CVs, first lasted 6 mths. I had another 14 Jan 2020 and advised to take Amiodarone too. I'm SR but BP is creeping up so on 40mg Valsartan from 20 March. I think I may need 80mg which is normal for adult BP control.

[Barb1]

My EP offered me a cardioversion if I really could not put up with the AF symptoms which have come back after 5 years free after my 4th ablation. But he didn't recommend at this time, as he says it is an invasive procedure, as you have a TOE before and would have to be in ICU for a short time. In 6 weeks things may be looking better but he said wait until at least July. Quote; 'you don't want to be in a hospital at the moment.'

[bennie06]

Very high success rate to convert. About 40% stay in rhythm after 1 year. The majority of failures take place during first 6 weeks with the initial 2 weeks being the "take care" time so no mountain climbing or extreme marathons.

Good luck.

[easygoer13]

I had it done and was good for 5 years with life style changes----had it done on July and it came back in January ---I would try it for sure

[10Snut]

I did not have any problems. Cardio version is easier than getting scoped. did not have to go off thinners. Just know this usually is the way to get you safely back into a rythem that lets you function. Does mean every little beat is exact, but you will feel fine.

[10Snut]

I take eliquois and not a problem with cardio vert. Thing went good and I went home and all was well. Have been put on a new med a amiodarone caused tongue/throat swelling. All good now just trying to keep old clunker going as long as possible. Have a good day.