Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a way to restore a normal heart rhythm in people with a heartbeat that is too fast or irregular (uneven). This usually is done with drugs, which is known as pharmacologic (chemical) cardioversion. If drugs don’t work, electric shocks may be used, known as electrical cardioversion. Abnormal heart rhythms are called arrhythmias, and there are several different types. In serious cases, an arrhythmia can prevent blood from circulating properly to the heart and brain, and cardioversion may be used to treat it. If cardioversion doesn’t cause a normal heartbeat to return, the physician may recommend an implanted pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), devices that help restore normal heart rhythm. Most people can return to normal activities after successful cardioversion, though some may need to take medication afterward.

UAB Cardiovascular Institute delivers optimal patient care for heart rhythm disorders. You will be cared for by regional and world leaders in the treatment of heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia, and other heart rhythm abnormalities.

Our physicians evaluate the newest treatments and technologies and author professional publications that advance the field of arrhythmia treatment. Their extensive experience and academic backgrounds ensure that they are familiar with all types of heart rhythm disorders. Our academic medical center performs more than 600 heart rhythm-related procedures each year, and our success in treating all types of complex arrhythmias is well-documented. Our electrophysiologists have access to the UAB Cardiovascular Institute, one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. It features the most advanced technology available, including four procedural suites dedicated to electrophysiology (the electrical signals in the heart). At UAB Medicine you are part of a program that carries out pioneering work in atrial fibrillation and advanced pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator design.

Videos

Tom McElderry, MD | Heart Arrhythmia

Understand the risk factors and symptoms of heart arrhythmias, and when it is important for you to see a doctor.

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Resources

Related Specialties

• Ventricular Tachycardia
  Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome