Learn how cardioversion is used to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
This procedure restores normal heart rhythm using either medication or an electrical shock. Cardioversion is commonly used to treat AFib, but is also used to treat atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia. During electrical cardioversion, you will be sedated and your doctor will deliver an electrical shock to your heart using pads placed on the chest. Your heart rhythm will be observed to ensure normal rhythm is attained, and you should be able to return home on the same day as your procedure.