cardioverted
Cardioverted is a term used in medicine to describe the process of restoring a normal heart rhythm. This is typically done when a person has a heart rhythm that is too fast, irregular, or both, a condition known as an arrhythmia. Cardioversion aims to convert the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm. There are two main methods of cardioversion: electrical and pharmacological. Electrical cardioversion involves delivering a controlled electrical shock to the chest. This shock briefly stops the heart's electrical activity, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and establish a regular rhythm. Medications can also be used to achieve cardioversion. These drugs, called antiarrhythmic medications, work by altering the electrical properties of the heart cells to correct the irregular rhythm. The choice between electrical and pharmacological cardioversion depends on various factors, including the type of arrhythmia, the patient's overall health, and the urgency of the situation. Cardioversion is a common procedure used to treat conditions like atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia, improving symptoms and reducing the risk of complications such as stroke.