Who needs Cardioversion?

You may need cardioversion if you have an arrhythmia that's causing troublesome symptoms. These symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue (tiredness), and chest discomfort.

Atrial fibrillation (A-tre-al fi-bri-LA-shun), or AF, is the most common type of arrhythmia treated with cardioversion. In AF, the heart's electrical signals travel through the heart's upper chambers (the atria) in a fast and disorganized way. This causes the atria to quiver instead of contract.

Atrial flutter, which is similar to AF, also may be treated with cardioversion. In atrial flutter, the heart's electrical signals travel through the atria in a fast, but regular rhythm.

Although less common, cardioversion also is used to treat rapid heart rhythms in the lower chambers of the heart.

Cardioversion usually is a scheduled procedure. However, you may need an emergency cardioversion if your symptoms are severe.

Cardioversion may not be the best treatment option if you have other heart conditions in addition to an arrhythmia. Talk with your doctor about whether cardioversion is an option for you.