cardioversión

Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, primarily atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. It involves delivering a controlled electrical shock or, less commonly, a dose of medication to the heart. The electrical shock is synchronized with the heart's electrical activity to prevent it from triggering a more dangerous rhythm. This synchronization is crucial for the procedure's safety and effectiveness. Before cardioversion, patients are often given a mild sedative and pain medication to ensure comfort and minimize anxiety. An echocardiogram may be performed beforehand to assess for blood clots in the heart, as these could be dislodged by the shock and cause a stroke. Cardioversion is typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting by trained medical professionals. Following the procedure, patients are monitored for a period to ensure their heart rhythm has stabilized and to check for any immediate complications. While often successful, abnormal heart rhythms can sometimes recur, and further treatment may be necessary. Medication cardioversion involves administering antiarrhythmic drugs to reset the heart's rhythm, and is usually reserved for specific clinical situations.