Post Cardioversion

[Mabal]

Hi everyone

I have Cardioversion booked soon.

I am just wondering what the norm is post Cardioversion, regarding normality, working full time, medication ect

I currently take Bisoprolol, Digoxin and Apixaban

Thankyou

[Jalia]

I would expect you to feel fine after 24 hours. Allow yourself a few days to not attempt anything too strenuous . Depending on your work and how you are feeling I would imagine that you would feel OK to resume work after 48 hours.

[Mabal in reply to Jalia]

Thankyou for your replyMy job can be very stressful. I have booked 2 weeks off work so that’s good

What about medication ?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Mabal]

Sounds ideal to me. Most people rush back far too soon with obvious results. Be prepared to remain on anticoagulants for a while and depending on outcome maybe the other drugs. Best to keep the heart stable as long as possible.

[Mabal in reply to BobD]

Thankyou.

[Guitar335 in reply to Mabal]

Given stress is a known major AF trigger….Have u considered changing your job ? What can you do to make it less stressful?

Best wishes

[Hidden]

Hello Mabal, it really depends on a number of different things. Worst case scenario is that it doesn’t work, in other words, when you come round you find that you are still in AF then things will probably remain much as they did before the procedure and usually, will be no worse. If you are in sinus rhythm when you come round but revert to AF before you are discharged, they may prescribe a rhythm drug such as Flecainide to try and get you back into rhythm but I think that’s quite rare. If you remain in rhythm, but it took 2 to 3 zaps to get you there they may keep you on the same medication for a while. If you only had one zap and the signs are looking good then they may suggest reducing or perhaps stopping either Bisoprolol or Digoxin. Unless you are 1 or below on the CHADs score, they are unlikely to stop the Apixaban and even if they do, it’s unlikely to be before 4 weeks or so. I see you got an excellent response to your earlier post about having a CV so not going to repeat other than to say the least you can do after the CV, the better to give your heart the chance to stabilise and get used to being in rhythm.

Already been said before, but it’s important to remember that a CV is not a cure for AF, it’s an important part of a treatment plan to determine whether or not NSR is achievable and if the patient feels significantly better for being in sinus rhythm ……all the best and please let us know how you get on…..

[Mabal in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou FlapJack

[Becksagogo]

Do you physically go to work. If so are they aware of the medication that you take. In the unlikely event that you need to have an ambulance called for you it is always handy for your first aiders at work to pass that information on. I am on lots of different medication and work full time. I just have to remember to take my lunchtime pills with me when I go in to the office.

[BongoBanana]

I had two zaps to get it back into normal sinus rhythm. I take 5mp bisopropolo plus loads of other drugs but was back at work next day - but I work at home - at a desk - very sedentry.

[Fullofheart]

I didn't take any time off as the advice is you can return to work the next day...but I wish I had. A week off after sounds very sensible but you might find you feel great after it and need to remember not to overdo it. They tell you not to drink alcohol or have a heavy meal or exercise for a couple of days but it's sensible to take it easy for a couple of weeks.

[Snowgirl65]

I was raring to go as soon as I woke up after my cardioversions and was given no instructions for taking it easy afterwards. I felt absolutely fine when I went home from the hospital, in fact better than fine.

[Mattq]

I took a week off and felt that was the right thing to do for me. Anti coags for 6 weeks after and 5mg Bisoprolol. 👍