External cardioversion

About this treatment

An external cardioversion procedure is designed to help restore a healthy heart rhythm in people with certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Who might need external cardioversion?

If your experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, or fatigue, or if your irregular heartbeat increases the risk of complications like stroke, external cardioversion may be recommended.

What to expect during the procedure

• You’ll be gently settled in and given a short-acting general anaesthetic, so you’ll be completely comfortable and asleep during the procedure.
• A doctor or nurse will place soft, sticky pads on your chest, and sometimes your back. If needed, a small area may be shaved to help the pads stick securely.
• These pads are connected to a special machine called a defibrillator, which delivers a carefully controlled electrical shock to your heart. This shock “resets” the heart’s electrical system so it can beat regularly again.
• Throughout, your heart rhythm is closely monitored, and the team can see straight away if your heart has returned to a normal rhythm.
• The procedure itself is quick, usually it takes just a few minutes, and you’ll be in safe hands and well looked after throughout.
• You may get some skin irritation at the site where the pads were applied. Simple emollient cream may help. Serious complications are very rare: there is a a small chance of stroke (much less than 1%) and a risk of arrhythmias (which are treatable).

After the procedure

• When you wake up, you may feel tired or a bit unsteady. This is perfectly normal, and you’ll have the time to rest until the anaesthetic or sedation has worn off.
• Your doctor or nurse will discuss the results of the procedure with you, and in most cases, you’ll be able to go home the same day.
• You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as general anaesthesia and sedation can affect your coordination and thinking for a while. It’s also wise to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
• Your doctor will be able to advise whether you should continue your usual medication or if any changes are needed, and when it’s safe to return to work and resume exercise. We’re here to answer any questions and make sure you feel confident about your recovery.

Immediate results

The results for external cardioversion are immediate so your doctor or nurse will know straight away if a regular heart rhythm has been restored.

Why choose us?

When you come to us for external cardioversion, you will be looked after by a team of highly skilled cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and nurses. The broad expertise and vast experience of our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons make our cardiac services team one of the best in the UK.

Through our multidisciplinary team approach, we combine best practices with innovative techniques to deliver the best possible treatment.

Find out more about external cardioversion and get in touch  

If you have any questions about external cardioversion or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700 
Email: imperial.private.healthcare@nhs.net 

Most major insurance companies cover the cost of treatment. 

Contact us today to find out more.