Kardiovertsiooni

Kardiovertsiooni, also known as electrical cardioversion, is a medical procedure used to restore normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing certain types of arrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. This technique involves delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart through electrodes placed on the chest or back, with the aim of re-establishing the heart's normal sinus rhythm.

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or clinical setting, often under sedation to ensure patient comfort. Prior to cardioversion, patients usually undergo an assessment including an electrocardiogram (ECG) to confirm the specific arrhythmia and evaluate overall heart health. In some cases, blood-thinning medications are administered beforehand to reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke during the procedure.

Electrical cardioversion is considered safe; however, it carries potential risks such as skin burns, arrhythmias, or thromboembolic events. It is generally recommended when medications fail to control the arrhythmia or when rapid symptom relief is necessary. The success rate for restoring normal rhythm varies but can be quite high, especially in cases of recent onset arrhythmia.

Post-procedure, patients are often monitored for recurrence of arrhythmia and may need ongoing medication or lifestyle changes to maintain heart rhythm stability. Cardioversion is distinct from defibrillation, which is used in emergency settings for life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.

Overall, kardiovertsiooni is an important intervention in the management of certain cardiac arrhythmias, helping improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications associated with irregular heart rhythms.