Hospital Affiliation
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Electrical Cardioversion
When the heart becomes irregular (atrial fibrillation) or is too fast (tachycardia) it may need to be "re-set" electrically. Paddles are placed over the chest and an electrical shock is delivered. This is accomplished with the patient under general anesthetic for a few minutes.
Although electrical cardioversion may be necessary on an emergency basis if patients are unstable with low blood pressure, it is usually performed electively as an outpatient procedure. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days to monitor the heart rhythm if certain anti-arrhythmic medications are used.