Electrocardioversion

[Rhiannonimity1]

Hello again. I had an AF episode 2 days ago after 2 yrs 5 months without. In hospital my heart was shocked back into rhythm and I was sent home. During The Covid lockdown I have put on about 2 stone and eaten badly and this is likely the cause. This needs to be reversed ASAP to prevent another episode.

My question is, do I need a recovery time after the electrocardioversion or should I be getting straight back into light, tempered, exercise?

Yesterday I went a walk and found it difficult and last night felt very “heart anxious” ( I felt like I was Buzzing) and had two quick bouts of palpitations lying on my left side in bed.

In the weeks after AF anyway - I feel that my heart needs time to settle. AF ( or the meds in hospital ) invariably causes me to have an upset stomach which I know exacerbates my excitable heart. Also I have mild chest pain - I think from the electric shock.

The cardiologist has reduced my bisoprolol from 5mg to 2.5mg - saying that my heart beats a little too slowly to warrant 5mg. My average is 60bpm - but I persuaded her to allow me 5 mg per day for the next few weeks to encourage my heart to settle.

I’m planning to do some light swimming today. Is this too much? Or sensible to get moving a bit and take my mind off the problem?

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you need to listen to your body and not over do things. Gentle exercise is ok ie a gentle stroll but I would be taking it easy for a week at least before getting the HR up. Don't want to undo the good work!

[Jalia]

You would not expect to have a prolonģed recovery time after a dc cardioversion .

After a day or two you should normally be feeling pretty much ok and able to resume normal activities.

Speak to your GP if you are still experiencing any chest pain though. Do you mean real pain or discomfort from the burns on your chest which some people get ? In which case a cream like E45 can be used to soothe the area.