- WARCEF: Warfarin, aspirin similar for prevention of stroke, death in HF
- SPS3: Combining clopidogrel with aspirin fails to prevent recurrent strokes
- Men experiencing a stroke call for emergency help quicker than women
- Risk for intracranial hemorrhage low with rivaroxaban
- Anemia triples risk for death after stroke
Cardioversion
Cardioversion is performed to change or convert an irregular heart rhythm to a normal regular rhythm. Cardioversion sends a carefully timed and well-controlled electrical shock to the heart through the chest wall. The shock usually disrupts the abnormal stimulus or impulse that causes the abnormal rhythm and allows the heart’s normal rhythm to take over.
PROCEDURE
An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm in order to administer medications or fluids during the test. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart. A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. You will be connected to an additional cardiac monitor and two patches or paddles will be placed on your chest. These patches or paddles are connected to a cadioversion/defibrillator machine that supplies the electrical current. An oxygen mask will be placed over your nose and mouth as the anesthesiologist administers IV medication to relax you. Once you are relaxed and asleep, small shocks will be given using the patches or paddles. One or more shocks may be needed to convert your heart to a normal rhythm. Once the procedure is completed, you will be awakened. You will probably not be aware of the procedure or remember what happened.
After the procedure, your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are monitored for several hours. Once you are fully awake and able to easily swallow water, you may resume your regular diet. Once the patches are removed from your chest, you may notice some redness, pain, irritation or itching. This is normal and can be relieved with creams ordered by your physician.
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam.
- Do not ingest any stimulants for 24 hours BEFORE the test. This includes coffee, tea, and cola drinks.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Do not wear necklaces or clothing with metal on it (metal buttons, sequins, brooches, etc.).
- If you have asthma presently or previously, bring your inhaler(s) with you.
- Bring a list of your medications with you.
- Take your usual morning medications with sips of water on the day of your test unless directed by your physician.
- Notify your physician if you take insulin or diabetic medication ¡V these medications may need to be discontinued or decreased the morning of the procedure.
- Someone will need to drive you home following this procedure.
LENGTH OF TEST
The test itself will take approximately 30 minutes, however you will remain in the hospital for approximately 4 to 6 hours following the procedure.
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