I have atrial fibrillation with RVR and have agreed to a cardioversion. I’m a little perturbed by the consultant’s comment that its results don’t last very long. I know someone whose cardioversion was a failure after a few days. She was only allowed 2 cardioversions, so, as she had already had one, she couldn’t have another one. If people take it easy after the cardioversion are the results more long lasting ? It would be interesting to compare people’s experiences. I have had atrial fibrillation symptoms, near fainting and palpitations but I’m wondering if it’s worth having the cardioversion, given the fact that it seems to be a temporary measure. Thank you.
Cardioversion: I have atrial... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Cardioversion
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bluepuddy1
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Hi, I have been on this forum for coming up for 15 years and feel your consultant is being honest. It is a stepping stone in the process to controlling your AF, but not necessarily curing it. From a medics viewpoint it may just be a requirement that precedes an ablation. ( sorry not explaining too well ).
Have you ever had a cardioversion John?
No I haven't Jean. At the time of my diagnosis in hospital (2010) they just sent me home and I was later contacted by NHS a few weeks later who gave me a date for Cardioversion. However, by the time I fronted up for it I was back in NSR so they sent me home. 😱
Given the nature of being paroxysmal after that it was never possible to capture me in AF long enough to do anything. So, I've never had a Cardioversion😢
BobDVolunteer
Cardioversion is not a cure for anything. It is more of a test to see if NSR can be attained in which case other treatments such a ablation could be tried.
Hello Bob,
Thank you. I must say that I would not be in a hurry to have an ablation.
Mine lasted 9 days but as others have said it is a stopping stone and I am 2 months off 2 years NSR since ablation.When you have spent 2 years in symptomatic AF you welcome an ablation.
Agree 💯
Thank you Katz. It all seems less frightening.
Ablation was the best decision I ever made; in and out on the same day and gave me my life back. I'd have another without hesitation.
Agree 💯
Thank you Mugsy, that’s very encouraging.
Hi, I felt the same about ablation but relented in the end as I wanted some quality of life. I had the ablation in March and no episodes that I know of since. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to ❤️
I would not agree. My first Cv lasted 8 years, which seems like a cure 2 me.
Tho my 2024 experience is proving different, only lasting a few days and now waiting an ablation.
Different circumstances can lead to v different prognoses and outcomes.
Hello McGandy,
8 years sounds very good, even though your last one was less successful. I hope your ablation goes well.
It’s not a cure but there’s only one way to find out how successful it may be for you. Don’t worry about the limit for cardioversions. I think the limit of two would apply if they were unsuccessful, as they usually try another one combined with medication and if that didn’t work they’d stop there.
The other question is, have you been offered an ablation and if so, how soon? Do you really want to continue in fast AF for however long it takes to get to the ablation? As Ben says the CV is a test to see if sinus is possible - if so an ablation is more likely to be scheduled and successful.
Hello Buffafly,
This is informative. I must say that the thought of an ablation is rather daunting.
I didn't find it daunting at all, it's only 6 weeks since it was done and so far so good. Previous history includes 2017 dialysis, 2018 mild heart attack, 2019 kidney transplant & 2023 Afib. I'm still here to tell the story and I'm so grateful to the NHS.
I had referral yesterday having been in persistent A Fib for about 4 months. I am going onto the waiting list for Cardioversion, I was told they are around 90% successful in getting people back into normal rhythm and that after 12 months around 20% are still in rhythm. So I'm hoping to have it asap and hope to have some time less exhausted while being in a position to move to ablation asap if and when sadly statistically A Fib returns. I am so desperate to feel less exhausted I am actually looking forward to giving it a go..good luck x
bluepuddy1 RF260 You do not mention your current medications. Suggest discussing with your doctor taking an anitiarrythmic drug before and after the CV to enhance success in maintaining NSR.
Thanks, yes they suggested Amiodorone so I think I will look to kick that off at start of January. Following 24 hour holter they have said I can come off of bisoprolol to see how much of my exhaustion that was responsible for so hope to be fully off that as at 31 Dec then start the Amiodorone. As you say I hope that may help the length of time the cardioversion holds for..
All the best for the future RF260. Thank you.
mine lasted 2 months!
Hello Suesouth,
Is this good or bad ? Is it advised to take things easy for a while after the cardioversion to ensure it’s a success ? This is all a bit of a minefield, thank you for your answer.
Yes, give your heart a chance to get stronger beating in sinus rhythm.
Thank you Buffafly.
I second that comment, don't do anything that requires effort for a few weeks. I've had cardioversions that have lasted years to one that only lasted a day because I walked up a steep hill. No alcohol for a while afterwards or big meals, also don't wear restrictive clothing around your torso e.g. snug waistbands or bra's.
Jean
Medical practitioners have to tell you about the good the bad points of having a specific I am I had a cardioversion it only lasted for 6 1/2 days but it was worth it for just having 6 1/ days without any symptoms you might be one of the lucky ones and it may last an awful lot longer than this. Why not take the chance?
Thank you. I’m wondering if a relaxation period after the cardioversion would contribute to a longer recovery.
Mine lasted 1 day short of 3 weeks. What I did notice was that the AF I went back into differed in symptoms to the AF I was in prior to the cardioversion. Before hand I would get out of breath easily, I would feel light headed a lot and come close to blacking out on a couple of occasions. My heart rate was rarely ever fast but would sometimes go very slow. After I mainly just felt tired at points throughout the day. I would occasionally get lightheaded but not often, never felt like blacking out and was much better with breathlessness. My heart rate remained at the rate I was in during the 3 weeks NSRO and stopped going slow.
How long you stay in NSR is something you only have a small amount of control over. Rest, build up slowly and avoid any known triggers but it’s not a cure. You might remain in NSR days, weeks, months or years but there is a greater chance of it being somewhere in the middle than at either extreme
Hello Peakoverload,
My heartbeat tends to be fast, but I don’t feel breathless. I have had palpitations and near fainting fits. Not nice, I’m sure you will agree. Breathlessness must be worrying, I have felt very tired, but before my AFib was identified thought it was due to reducing my steroids for polymyalgia. Is there a set period in which you should avoid effort after the cardioversion. Thank you.
My cardioversion lasted just under 3 years so I feel it was worthwhile doing. Now have paroxysmal AF and awaiting an ablation but it was good to be AF free while it lasted.
Hello Daisy,
That’s an excellent result. I hope your ablation goes well too.
People have very varying results from cardioversion. Mine have been very worthwhile - the first lasted 3 years 8 months, and so far I've been in normal rhythm for 9 months after the second.
If your CV lasts more than 2 weeks you may be able to be considered for an ablation.
Also, discovering whether there are specific triggers for your AF may help you stay in rhythm longer. Googling for AF triggers should bring up various websites that include lists. After my first CV I noticed that processed meat triggered ectopics and stopped eating such things. Both times I had, unusually for me, had some ultra-processed food the day before - gf bread and gf sausage rolls the previous time, with chemical ingredients. One of the times I was probably dehydrated too. I try to stick to real unprocessed foods.
I hope things go well for you.
Thank you Belle, that’s kind of you. I’m glad you had such a good result.
Just had a cardioversion 9 days ago, it worked and still out of afib, took a good few days for me to recover as just felt worn out and tired and had a foggy bad head for about a week, also have a pacemaker and been getting a few ectopic beats since but pacing clinic said it it isn't anything to worry about, in my circumstances it's been a benefit.
Thank you Nomis.
I only managed 48 hours of NSR after first cardioversion (I had been in AF for 20 years though) but this was enough to demonstrate that ablation had some chance of working.3 ablations later and I've been in NSR for 18 months...after 20 years of irregular rhythm 😊
As others have said, it's not meant to be a long term solution, more part of a process.
Thank you Fullofheart.
my CV was in Nov 2021 and apart from three short (2 hours, 50 min, 5 min) episodes of AF I have been in NSR. I’m on flec (250 mg a day) and diltizem (120 per day). I was very nervous about the procedure on the day but it was very quick and such a relief. I hope you are lucky in your outcome too.
Thank you LK, interesting your note about the meds too.
I have persistent AF and also am very debilitated with it as mostly always fast , my first cardioversion lasted almost 10 yrs, I was in my 30s, my next one lasted 5, another 2, another 3 another 2 my last has been 3 months so far, I have other issues and always put ablation off, of course now things have got better over the years with ablations, and the progression is plain to see , but due to work and family commitments (caring for disabled wife) and the fact I do seem to hold sinus for decent periods both my EP and myself have agreed that after this one fails we then look at ablation
Hello Cozzer,
Nice to hear about the length of time you had before returning to AF. It’s all very encouraging. My regards to your wife.
I have had x4 but oddly only get AF around once a year always in the Summer? It's fast AF and makes me feel awful. I would definitely give this a go to see how long it lasts. My longest was 15 months. However.... This August the DCCV failed. I have always known it would come back at some stage, but I was heading for a Ablation my Consultant( who is a work chum) said only route.
I am fortunate I still work in NHS Cardiology. He put me on the dreaded Amiodarone to help me stay in SR prior to Shock. Once loaded with Amiodarone I had another DCCV. I went back into SR, felt instantly better, it is better to be in SR for Ablation.
Saw the lovely EP Consultant who had already booked my date in.
This Monday I had my Ablation. I remained in SR prior to it, during the Ablation I didn't have any form of Arrthymia remained in SR. In was in the lab by 8.45am home at 9 pm.
Feel fine just a sore throat but now day 5 it's gone , I do have a bit of a cough but that's probably the GA. I have not had any chest discomfort, I'm not as bruised as expected.
Just laying it on thick with DH, that I can't do much for the first week!
The EP man, told me, I might need another Ablation? he wants to maintain my Meds, for 3 months. It's not unknown to have a DCCV if the AF comes back within a few weeks or even days.
In some cases it's just stage 1. Just see how it goes?
I didn't really stand much of a chance all my Mothers family had AF, at least things change over time to improve the problem.
Hello Whatsaperformance,
I’m the only one in the family who has heart trouble. Can’t think where it’s come from 😀. As I’m a traditional housewife with occasional help, I don’t want to wreck my chances with the cardioversion, by lifting afterwards etc. It would be nice to have some guidelines re: things to avoid after it. Thank you.🙏
I had four cardioinversions the one that lasted longest ( 4 weeks) was the one that I treated myself like a fragile thing but it was not a huge difference. You seem anxious about ablation … and I was but in the top 5 decisions of my life saying yes to ablation was one of them. I have been afib free for 4 years now , I am sure one day it may come back but if it does I will ablate again if I can. My life quality returned after a months convalescence please do think carefully before you discount the idea
I've had 1, April 2009,with a few slight life changes like jacking in alcohol I've been OK ever since.
Hello Ronnieboy,
Well done. I’m glad you have been so sensible about your health, it has certainly paid dividends.
Hi
I noticed that you mentioned faints. My impression is that most reports on here involve rapid heart rate episodes. but of course there are those like me that during the course of their AF 'journey' experience low, slow and cessation of HR so I mention this as something to be aware of. My AF progressed from paroxysmal to persistent and then permanent.
I was never offered or given cardioversions or ablations and when eventually my low HR episodes proved to be stoppages of up to 14 seconds with faints and blackouts I was given a pacemaker and returned to a normal life.
So just keep an eye on and open mind about those 'faints' that you mentioned.
Based solely on my own experience, I again and again read about the repeated cardioversions and ablations that people have and wonder whether all that stress and worry can be worth it. I just accept the natural progression that comes with age - slowing down, shortness of breath at times etc..... 30 years ago I decided after a life of stress and the onset of Coeliac had nearly killed me to not do stress any more.
Quality of Life is more important than all that worry!
Hello quanglewangle,
Sometimes stress is hard to avoid, but since my diagnosis I have tried to be more relaxed. Stress is very bad for you.
I've had 12. Eleven in the last five years. My very first one lasted four years, one only 18 days. Never heard of the two only rule before!!
Hello Jajarunner,
Perhaps these are limited if they don’t prove to be successful. The person who told me, had his AF return in a couple of days. Glad you’ve done well with your cardioversions.
For my ten penneth, I've just had my 9th cardioversion (I get RVR as well) and mine have lasted anywhere between 4 days and 2 years. Neither you or your consultant know how long it will last for you but he's just managing expectations.
I would take a cardioversion everytime as there are problems AF can cause over time so better to be in NSR as much as possible.
And, the feeling of being in NSR after AF with RVR is amazing.
Thank you Ducky, most encouraging.
I should add, it was my very first one that lasted 4 days. All the rest have been between 6 months and 2 years.......... oh and yes, take it easy for a few days after to let your heart settle down. It's natural to be nervous about it but I'd rather have a DCCV than have a tooth out. 😁
Let us know how you get on.
Hello Ducky,
I’ll certainly let you know, but given the waiting list at our local hospital it won’t be for a time yet. At the moment I’m dealing with the first cold I have had since 3 years. A nuisance, but certainly a minor thing in the scheme of things 😀. Thank you for your encouraging comments about your cardioversions.
Let the procedure coordinator know that you will accept a cancellation. I did for my last 2 and was in within 3 weeks.
hi, I had a Cardioversion, thru said it nearly held NSR after first zap and second zap, but heart rate went so low after the second zap, they didn’t try third zap. Second attempt, it worked, but only stayed NSR for a day. So I had cryoblation and I’ve been NSR for two and a half years…
Thank goodness it worked in the end, Keano. Well done.
😀🤞
I think the length of success of a cardioversion depends upon the originating cause of the AF. Since this is rarely uncovered. A short period of success would indicate that the arrhythmia is caused by something that the cardioversion could not correct.
Is the RVR not controllable by any other means in your case and is it debilitating?
Steve
Hello Ppiman, My heart beat is very fast at times. The near fainting episodes were regular, every week, but have now calmed down, though the palpitations and tightness around the heart continue. I must say that the near fainting episodes are the most worrisome and debilitating and I don’t know when they will return. It would be good if my symptoms could be controlled by medication. Unhappily I have had problems with the latter.
I am lucky not to get a really fast rate, with a maximum of, say, 180bpm, but more usually 135bpm, dropping down to 90bpm reasonably quickly. However, even with a slower rate, last night for example, when I had but a very brief AF episode but with lots of ectopics and some very slow pulse (low 50s), I had the feelings you describe. I don't get them at all often and agree they are very unpleasant and bring on the fear that if they don't go away, then, well - what would happen? I have only once felt the need to go to hospital and hope it never comes to that again as local A&E is very poor here in Leicestershire.
Steve
I had a cardioversion in April 2020 and it was still holding in August 2021 when I had open heart surgery. So, I've been "cured" i guess for over 4 years
FWIW, my cardioversion kept me out of AF for more than 12 years.
I had cardioversion to bring me back to NSR after my first episode of Afib. I stayed in rhythm for just over 6 months. In my case there was a clear trigger and my hope was that if I avoided that trigger it might not reoccur or might not reoccur for several years. It is a treatment response in its own right and for some they may stay in rhythm for many years and for others particularly those who have had Afib for sometime or who have other underlying issues it may not be successful or may only work for a short period of time. I am not sure if there is a limit to the number of cardioversions someone can have over a given period of time. I have friends who have had several cardioversions. I did not find it a difficult or in any way challenging procedure to undergo - in my case it was much preferable than being in Afib.
Everything can be a "temporary measure" including an ablation. I had my cardioversion two years ago this coming January and it has made a real difference to the quality of life as my AFIB symptoms were near fainting and dizziness and it put me back into Normal Sinus R for these last two years so I'll definitely take it. May not last another year but it has lasted two.
it is the truth. It is only a Band-Aid. I had one 3 1/2 weeks. I would’ve done it again because I felt so good for those 3 1/2 weeks. My second one did not work at and complications during it. We take chances every day with or without a fib. I figure I could get hit by a truck or I could have a heart attack a fib doesn’t usually kill. It’s up to you if you want a little bit of relief and it’s been that bad I would say go for it. You should be grateful someone tells the truth. There is no cure. None of them are going to cure you and no one knows how long if at all any of them works, including ablation. it is what it is. I felt so awful. I was willing to try FYI I’m glad you only get I have seen people get way too many. The same goes for ablations the new pulse field but the old type is minimal as far as a chance of working. I only had three previous EP did a procedure on had and was becoming famous for, but it failed. I have so much scar tissue just from those three my incredible EP would not consider another. My heart just could not take it. It was exhausted and going into heart failure. I ended up with a pacemaker, not saying that you should or will. My quality of life is so much better. Don’t shoot the messenger for telling you the truth. Some people are blessed they could have one of anything and keep sinus rhythm, etc. I’m not one of those. I’m the opposite. We are all different.
Your Bio doesn't mention your medications, or their part in your medical history, but you did mention steroids in the following sentence ...
"Breathlessness must be worrying, I have felt very tired, but before my AFib was identified thought it was due to reducing my steroids for polymyalgia"
So I am drawn to asking whether your use of steroids is ongoing and of long duration. Of course, the dosage is important, but my reading of research articles consistently links steroid use to causing arrythmias of all kinds. So, my natural concern is that continued regular use of steroids might well undermine any positive results you receive from a cardioversion or an ablation. Please don't be offended if I'm stating the obvious, or if I'm wide of the mark, I'm just a bit confused that other Forum members haven't commented on your stated steroid use.
Good luck going forward.
Hi, I've had 3 cardioversions and each one lasted over 12 mths. I may have slipped back into AF because of too much alcohol when social drinking. So I'd recommend and found the results better and longer lasting than the 3 ablations I've had.
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