Kardiovertierung

Kardiovertierung is a medical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. The most common arrhythmias treated with cardioversion are atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, although it can also be used for other supraventricular tachycardias. The goal is to correct the electrical chaos in the heart that is causing the rapid or irregular heartbeat.

There are two primary methods of cardioversion: electrical and pharmacological. Electrical cardioversion involves delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart. This shock briefly stuns the heart muscle, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and re-establish a regular rhythm. The electrical shock is synchronized with the heart's electrical activity to avoid triggering a more dangerous arrhythmia. Pharmacological cardioversion uses antiarrhythmic medications administered intravenously to convert the abnormal rhythm back to normal. The choice between electrical and pharmacological cardioversion depends on various factors, including the type of arrhythmia, the patient's medical history, and the urgency of the situation.

Before undergoing cardioversion, patients typically undergo a cardiac evaluation to assess their suitability for the procedure. Blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and sometimes an echocardiogram may be performed. For electrical cardioversion, patients are usually sedated or given general anesthesia to ensure comfort and prevent movement during the shock. Following the procedure, patients are monitored for a period to ensure their heart rhythm remains stable and to assess for any complications. Cardioversion is a generally safe and effective treatment for restoring normal heart rhythm and improving symptoms associated with arrhythmias such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.