kardiowersja

Kardiowersja is a medical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is typically performed when a person has a rapid or irregular heartbeat, known as an arrhythmia, that is causing symptoms or poses a risk to their health. The most common types of arrhythmias treated with cardioversion are atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, but it can also be used for other conditions like supraventricular tachycardia.

There are two main methods of performing cardioversion: electrical and pharmacological. Electrical cardioversion uses controlled electrical shocks delivered to the chest to reset the heart's electrical activity. This is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable. The electrical impulse is synchronized with the heart's rhythm to prevent it from triggering a more dangerous arrhythmia. Pharmacological cardioversion involves administering antiarrhythmic medications, usually intravenously, to convert the abnormal heart rhythm back to normal. This method may be chosen for patients who are less suitable for electrical cardioversion or in specific clinical situations.

Before undergoing cardioversion, patients typically have an echocardiogram to assess the heart's structure and function and to rule out blood clots, particularly in the atria. Anticoagulant medication may be prescribed for a period before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of stroke. After cardioversion, patients are monitored for a period to ensure the heart rhythm remains stable and to assess for any immediate complications. The success rate of cardioversion is generally high, but the underlying cause of the arrhythmia often needs to be addressed to prevent recurrence.