Unfortunately my amazing Dad died back in April last year 2024. He had a cardio version 3 months before he died as he was experiencing fast heart rhythm to the point it was overheating and doctor said he needs a cardio version.
On the night my Dad died, he showed jo symptons. Had a full meal, had a shave, even walked outside and rested in evening and watched tv...two hours later he silenty fell to his death in a sudden cardiac arrest.
I can't wrap my head around this huge loss. Dad past health history, he had a kidney transplant, triple heart bypass 10 years ago, also diabetic but he looked so well now.
Was it correct for him to have a cardio version? I just want a answer as can't fathom how this could happen.
Thank you
Jas
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Jattputt
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I’m sorry for your loss. Losing your dad so suddenly would have been very traumatic for those who loved him.
It sounds like he had some pretty major cardiac issues if he required a triple bypass. A triple bypass isn’t a cure for all time, but it does buy a lot more time. Chances are his heart was damaged and he may have had ongoing issues related to stenosis. It’s doubtful, in my non medically trained opinion, the cardioversion was a direct cause.
Having lost many people in my family to cardiac disease, I know it’s hard to fathom. We have genetic cardiac issues.
Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. Remember the good things about his life. The love, the laughter and his face. Don’t let his death define the wonderful man I’m sure he was. Take care.
If the heart is structually abnormal it is NOT suitable to have a cardioversion, ablation or an anti-arrhythmic med.
He should have had an ECHO first. And ECG.
You say rapid H/Rate AF.
First line is a trial for Rapid H/R is a trial of a Beta Blocker and separately a trial of CCB a Calcium Channel Blocker.
Never trialled until I went to a private H/Specialist just 1/2 dose of CCB 180 CD mg my heart rate trying to be controlled by BB 156 Bisoprolol went down to 51 in 2 hours!
Twigged down to 120 cd mg, I have been on it 3 years. Low Bisoprolol 2.5 has been stopped as my Blood Pressure went LOW.
A little higher day 120-135 / 80-89 and 70-90 H.R Day.
My normal Night Rate is low at 47avg bpm.
Dr has told me that the Diltiazem runs out over afternoon. (some have dose twice or three times a day).
That is an upset truly unbearing. I am glad that you are going to investigate his passing.
They made terrible errors with me and I'm about to put in a Disability Complaint. Here in NZ I can't sue. Most of it relates to an Endocrinologist - a lady Dr.
Joy - would you be able to add a reference to your comment regarding cardioversion being contraindicated in this person? His treatment would have been a medical decision based on his clinical history, after all. A CV after a bypass is, if AI summary and online clinical studies are to be believed, is safe with close medical supervision.
This is a sad time for you. The loss will never go away, but it will, some time in the future, seem less acute as your mind eventually finds ways to distract itself. Little things will bring it all back in an instant and your heart will turn again, but then the distraction will build up once more. Some say time heals. But no, it can hide, only that.
You were blaming doctors, though, Joy - or it seemed that way. It is the disturbed rhythm of the heart that generally cases tachycardia; and it is that which is so harmful to keeping the body's crucial homeostasis (natural balance). Sometimes malignant ventricular rhythms can result, too, in which case immediate cardioversion of one kind or another becomes vital.
I'm not sure those things in general put the heart at risk - or, at the least, they must surely often improve life and hopefully extend it.
I should think in your case, with so much going on that can disturb the homeostasis, it must be hard for doctors to know what to do for the best as one thing can so easily upset the balance of another.
Overall cardioversion is a shock to your poor heart.
I've never heard it for rapid HR in AF. To reduced heart rate.
I never had one. Never talked about either not at the hospital. not later.
Blaming doctors, 'no' , questioning the procedure like she is. And which she has a right to do.
All the following replies give not much help to her question, for her in others' experiences but sorry for her loss. I was siding with her to question this procedure. It's a wonder why she wasn't included in this decision.
I understand that he was in A&E which is a different set of environment which uses an instant response.
In my medical history I had had procedures changed or not carried on. But directed on notes.
I should have in a heart monitor. Beginning to be carried out, then unplugged for a scan. Then transferred to my local hospital on Day 4 of hospital stay. Never to have it again properly, until 1 year 5 months a check on the Metapolol Med. Breathless, a zombie. Offered this drug then I said 'no" " it will make me breathless' ". It proved ..186 bpm avg no exertion Day. 47avge bpm Night with pauses.
I was given BBs for rapid Heart Rate. Not tried on CCBs.
I hope that they can retrieve the reply as I reread it and wanted to edit, pressed MORE and then it was lost.
There’s a lot of experience and knowledge on this forum but none of us are medically trained to give a definitive answer to your question. I can say that I’ve had 3 CVs and many on this forum have had multiple CVs. In the wider statistical scheme of things every medical procedure comes with risk. The Electrophysiologist (EP) should run through these with the patient beforehand. In your dad’s case I would hope the EP gave very informed advice based on your dad’s history and current health issues, yet even with that there would have been the same risks we all face (you can look these up online). I doubt very much that anyone did anything wrong, but in grief these “what ifs” go over and over in our mind. The important thing now and I’m sure your dad would have agreed is to look after yourself and allow time to heal.
I doubt very much that anyone did anything wrong, but in grief these “what ifs” go over and over in our mind. The important thing now and I’m sure your dad would have agreed is to look after yourself and allow time to heal
I agree. I have also lost a person I loved dearly - my mom. I always think she lives on - in me. The same goes for your dad living on through you.
Below is a poem for you to read.
All best Paul
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now, I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I savoured much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift your hearts and peace to God who wanted me now: He set me free…
l am very sorry to hear of your great loss and my heart goes out to you at this sad time. This happening so suddenly has left you in shock.
Losing our parents is very difficult. I lost my dad first and then my mum a few years later. I felt like an orphan when my mum died and they had both gone from my life.
There are no answers as to why. It was your dad’s time to go and we have no control over that time. I hope you will soon come to terms with all of this and take it one day at a time. Acceptance will come eventually and l wish you strength in the coming days.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, losing a parent suddenly is not easy to cope with.
I've had numerous cardioversions with no problems. I can't see any way that your dad's could have played a part in his death when it was as long as three months after having one that he died. Sadly, sudden deaths are quite common and to be honest that's truly the way I'd like to leave this world, rather than a long drawn out illness, suffering and losing dignity.
I've known so many people who have just quietly passed away. Some as young as in their 30's. Please push that thought regarding the cardioversion away.
I am so sorry for your loss and the struggles you are having coming to terms with his death.I'm afraid searching for a reason connected to treatment for your loss will not change anything in terms of your emotions.
We search for reasons to try and get control over a happening over which we have no control. It sounds like your father survived major surgery which bought him time.
Sadly even if you find a reason you still have to bear the loss.
The doctor will have done what he felt was the best option for your father at that time and it sounds as if he was having good days after the cardioversion which is a comfort.
Have you a friend or relative to whom you can talk, or come back here and talk some more, people will listen.
Grief is awful but none of us escape it and each person has to find their own way through.
Hi Jas, you loved your dad and you miss him very much and are naturally shocked that he went so unexpectedly but on the other hand if you think of him he had a wonderful death, the one I hope for. I’ve watched several family members die slowly and painfully and it’s not what I want for myself or my family. It seems to me he had great medical care and lived much longer than he naturally would have as a result so I would be thankful for that. You say he was ‘amazing’ so now is the time to follow his example and be inspired to put some ‘amazingness’ into your own life. He’d like that 💞
First obviously sorry for your loss. Every male on my mother's side has died of cardiac problems so I know I will at some time soon or hopefully not so soon.
However it is more than likely the cardioversion just put off his death for a few hours. If he'd been left without it the heart would probably have given up on the afternoon. Unfortunately hearts only come with a lifetime guarantee, but don't say how long that life is.
Sorry for your loss. Don't try to second-guess his medical treatment, especially the cardioversion. If anything, the need for cardioversion was a marker of declining heart function and not a cause.
It's a fact of life that we are all going to lose our parents but when it's sudden, without warning, it's completely normal to try to find reasons and to be angry and in shock. Sadly there are usually no reasons; it was simply their time. Your dad had serious heart problems but even when there are none, a sudden cardiac arrest cane come from apparently nowhere. 6 years ago I had no sign of heart problems at all. I had severe damage to my spine and chronic pain but nothing else. One day I suddenly had a heart attack and it was discovered I had several blockages in my arteries. A bit of plaque had broken off and caused a heart attack. thankfully it was mild and I'm fine now- I think! I have no way of knowing if my arteries have got worse or when/if another one will finish me off just like your dad. I think it's highly unlikely that anything contributed to your dad's passing but it is normal to wonder. The cause of death will be described in his report. If it's not clear, ask your GP to explain exactly what happened and if possible, why. You could still contact PALs and ask them to get a second opinion on whether the cardioversion could have contributed to it . Say that you feel the treatment may have been inappropriate given his previous heart damage. In teh meantime try not to let this define your own life. It's not what he'd want. You might also consider grief counselling.
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm not an expert, but IMO it is extremely unlikely that a CV had any impact on your father's passing months later. In fact, it may have provided him several months of comfortable living (AF and Tachycardia can have horrible symptoms that are very disabling for some!). Obviously, advice from a competent EP/Cardiologist would be essential before any procedure. I suffer from Afib and Aflutter, and I would not hesitate to have a cardioversion to get out of that rhythm, (AF is symptomatic to me and causes significant fatigue). If approved by my EP I would definitely choose a procedure to maintain or improve my quality of life, I suspect your Dad likely had similar views!
PS. While I love my son & other family members very much, I would rely entirely on my medical professional's opinion and my instincts, on which way to proceed with a medical decision. Sounds like your Dad had a complicated medical history and has made similar decisions along the various treatment paths. Again, deepest sympathies for your tragic loss!
Jas, I'm so incredibly sorry for the loss of your father. Losing him so suddenly and unexpectedly must be devastating, and it's completely understandable that you're searching for answers. It's natural to question everything that happened, including the cardioversion. Please know that you're not alone in these feelings, and grief can bring up so many complex emotions.
From what you've shared, it sounds like your dad had a complex medical history, and the cardioversion was a procedure recommended by his doctor to address a serious heart rhythm issue. It's important to remember that medical professionals make decisions based on their expertise and the best available information at the time. They carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any procedure, and it appears your father's doctor felt the cardioversion was the right course of action for him.
It's easy to second-guess things in hindsight, especially when we're grieving. But try to be kind to yourself and avoid placing blame where it doesn't belong. Your dad received medical care from qualified professionals who were trying to help him. Sudden cardiac arrest can be a devastating and unpredictable event, even in people with existing health conditions. Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, these things can happen.
I know you're looking for answers, and I encourage you to talk with your father's doctor or another medical professional. They can review his medical history and the circumstances surrounding his passing in more detail and provide you with a better understanding of what happened. They can also help address any specific concerns you have about the cardioversion.
Please allow yourself to grieve and remember the good times you shared with your dad. He sounded like a wonderful man who was loved very much. Sending you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
I agree with what so many others have already said - it is one of the most devastating things in life to lose a parent, so we look for answers. As you say, you can’t fathom why it happened - but it does. In all likelihood the care your father received gave you more time together.
As others have suggested, a meeting with your dad’s doctor to review his medical history may help. Please be kind to yourself and allow the grieving process. The poems posted may help. Sending you condolences, comfort and peace. ❤️
Sorry for your loss, it is hard to come to terms with a sudden death like that. I lost my Dad when he was only 69, in 1986, from a brain haemorrhage, which the Drs thought was probably caused by the Warfarin he was put on, after getting a DVT in his leg. It was an awful shock for us all, but you do eventually come to terms with it and you will always have your memories to remember the happy times you had with him. I always keep a photograph of him and my Mother, who died aged 93, in 2016, where I can see it every day.
Thank you for those who have taken time out to reply to my post. When your heart is torn apart and not knowing direction I found a place where others would understand the situation I'm in. Especially as I lost my Dad to a heart issue, a cardiac arrest. It has truly made me and my mum emotional reading this and the truth of encouragement from you folk here.
It is so painful, my Dad was the kindest man with a big heart. Me, dad and mum..the three of us. Without him hurts so much to think ill never get to see him again, it's a pain I can't describe and only now I understand what others go through who have been through the same.
I know the doctors chose the best course of treatment for Dad...as you say, it's temporary there's no guarantee when the heart will give up. Dad suddenly fell to his death in front of my mothers eyes, something I don't think I could have seen myself..
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Sleep problems 
cardio version
Low heart rate ?
Has a cardio version caused a different arrhythmia for anybody else?
