What is a cardioversion procedure?
Ask the doctor
- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
I’m feeling anxious about my upcoming cardioversion procedure, which my cardiologist recommended to treat my persistent atrial fibrillation. What can I expect during and after the procedure?Atrial fibrillation (afib) causes blood to pool and stagnate in the heart’s upper chambers, increasing the risk of blood clots. Such a clot can travel to the brain and cause a stroke, which is why most people with afib take anti-clotting medications (anticoagulants). Cardioversion can dislodge existing blood clots — a risk that persists for about a month following the procedure. If you’re not already taking an anti-clotting drug, you’ll probably need to take one for three to four weeks before the procedure. That usually allows any existing blood clots to shrink, break down, and be reabsorbed.
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About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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