Are Cardioversions even worth it?

[Shmediac]

Has anyone had a cardio version that actually stopped their Afib? I’ve talked to people who’ve had one, and read about it, and it seems like a quick fix that doesn’t last.

[BobD Volunteer]

As I have said many times cardioversion is not a cure it is a treatment/test. If you can be put into NSR even for a short time it can signpost other treatment such as ablation which would not be appropriate if you can not attain NSR.

Some people may be lucky and remain in NSR for some time, even a year or more but that really is not the point although few patients really want to know that.

[MummyLuv in reply to BobD]

I agree Bob,

there is always an exception to the rule of course, in my case I had 4 failed cardioversions and my local hospital told me I was not capable of holding NSR as I had not converted to NSR even for a second. Yet here I am still holding NSR 4 months after a mini maze. I don’t want to sound cocky as I am praying it keeps up and of course there is no guarantee of that.

[Desanthony]

Yes my two longest lasting cardioversions lasted a year and 15 months

[Hidden]

Yep, but it needs to be considered as part of a treatment plan rather than a treatment in its own right and if lasts a good while then it’s an added bonus.

[jeanjeannie50]

Mine have lasted for a year or so. Shortest one was a day, because I walked up a steep hill the day after having an ablation.

[javo123j]

I've only had one and it lasted for over 2 years. Since then I've gone to paroxysmal afib which is lot better than when in persistent afib so I would definitely say it was worth it.

[wilsond]

Yes,my friend had one. She had to take amiodarone for 3 months prior to CV. Had that done 12 months ago,no AF since x

[mav7]

Definitely worth it and necessary for the reasons listed above. I also was hesitant but did have the procedure which provided my cardiologist information on my condition. Side effects are few, if any, for the great majority.

jeanjeannie50 tell the OP how much you luv cardioversions.

🙂🙂🙂

[hanne6263]

My late husband had been in persistent AF for over a year when he had his cardioversion. It lasted until he died four years later (non heart related).

[Norfolk_spaniel]

First one lasted 10 years. Second lasted 18 months. Third lasted 6 months and 4th lasted 1 month. Won't do any more but have an ablation scheduled.

[Ewloe]

I love NSR!!! I’m still in it after CV last November. Long may it last. Having a break from continuous AFib is lovely.

[ETFCfan]

I’ve had two, my first lasted a few days the second was two weeks. I had it explained to me by my consultant that it does work for a period of time for some people. However in my case and others they want to see the difference in symptoms when in sinus rhythm. I had an immediate and huge improvement for the tiny time that it worked which indicated there was a good chance that further treatments like ablation would work. Good luck.

[gtkelly]

CV 30 months ago. Needed second 3 months later. No reoccurrence since. Taking blood thinner as well as Flecainide and Bisoprolol daily.Age 67. No other health issues.

[jeanjeannie50]

Honestly, I really love having them. You go in feeling poorly, have a little sleep and then wake up cured. I've almost cried with the joy of being in normal rhythm again. My sense of gratitude to the medical staff there is overwhelming.

[DawnTX]

From what I’ve been told since I asked about it I will be happy with what I get out of it. Yesterday was one of the worst days because not only was I getting thumps but they hurt. Friday can’t come soon enough now. The longer you are in a fib the more strain on your heart because you do not have the circulation you need for everything. I don’t expect it to be the cure it is to get a break while my doctor figures out what is going on since my procedure in April. Thank you to all of you who sent me positive messages I am still nervous but the thought of feeling better makes me happy

[M987]

Yes my cardioversion lasted 5 years with flecanide, until prednisone messed me up.

[PengieP]

Yes. I have had 3 and, coupled with ablations, I've been in NSR since 2010. Treatments in 2022 have to be even better.

[BlueINR]

A big round of applause to Bob and I will echo what he said: cardioversion is a treatment, it is not a cure. It usually will put the heart back into NSR, but how long that lasts is anyone's guess.

I was fortunate enough to have had a cardiologist who was also an EP at the 3rd hospital admission I had for afib. After a cardioversion, he suggested ablation as a more long-lasting treatment.

[roadride]

I had my 15th cardioversion over 10 years this morning. Every one was worth it. Unfortunately, I’m not a candidate for ablation. I just hope to get 6 or more months of nsr.

[Dr-Gohan]

Had 100 level and since I was out Dr. Tried 200 level. When I am woke up, the nurse told me doctor was disappointed because my heart went back to sinus rhythm for less than 10 seconds.I live in the US, and I believe cardioversion has to be documented as at least attempted to justify payment by insurance. Medication 1st., Cardioversion 2nd., And then in my case Pace and Ablation. Each step getting more expensive.

[Shmediac in reply to Dr-Gohan]

My ablation was $8000 out of pocket, and I have employer medical insurance.

[Shmediac in reply to Dr-Gohan]

I did go in for a cardio version at one point, before the ablation, but because my afib comes and goes, I was in NSR right at that moment, and they couldn’t do it.

[Jimmy37]

Cv only a quick fix. The longest lasted 6months

[BobDRedfish]

Will be 5 years nsr in November, very happy with that result.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

HiI red that they do cardiversions to see what is happening to the electrical responses and where they are coming from.

Done shortly after first episode of AF.

You will need as many as plus 2 or more.

I guess they did not do me because I remained with Thyroid Cancer until the triage of doctors agreed tat I could have throidectomy. ASAP versus 6 mths plus.

The surgeon and thyroid anaesthetist won putting me up for operation in persistent rapid uncontrolled H/R in Feb 2020 and 4 mths after Embollic Stroke (Ischaemic). Just caght in time as cancer down 2 lymph nodes ready to go lymph central. It can spread to parathyroid as well.

I was lucky. Also careful examination of thyroid showed carcinoma showing in right lobe and tiny stray in my left - so total thyroidectomy.

Unfortunately they wont look at Ablation for me as I have an enlarged chamber.

I was left UNCONTROLLED with the public cardiac specialist. Worth going to private who was interested and put me on CCB Diltiazem. Keeping 2.5mg Bisoprolol at night.

Both Diltiazem and Bisoprolol both Rate Control and Rhythmn control CCB & BB drugs .

BP 123/72. 77=88 H/R day and night remains at 47.

cheri JOY. 73. (NZ)