Overview Of Cardioversion

Associated Risks

Cardioversion is a low-risk procedure when it is performed with care in a hospital. However, it still has some risks associated with it! One of these risks is allowing blood clots in the heart to break free. Some individuals with heart rhythm problems also develop blood clots. Allowing these clots to break free is dangerous! A dislodged clot circulates through the body. Complications of this include stroke and a clot in the lungs! However, this risk is easily lowered. Doctors screen patients for blood clots before this procedure. Patients who have clots are asked to take medication to treat the clots. This takes several weeks!

Some patients develop new heart rhythm issues after this procedure. This risk, however, is extremely low! Besides, doctors know within minutes if this is the case. Thus, they will correct it! In fact, this procedure's electrical form will reveal new rhythm issues before the patient is out of their sedation. Thus, doctors correct it before they wake up! Electrodes also carry the risk of mild skin burns. However, this is easily treatable as well!