4- Cardioversion therapy
A doctor may try to reset the heart rhythm (sinus rhythm) via a treatment called cardioversion if the atrial fibrillation symptoms are bothersome or if this is the first episode of atrial fibrillation. It can be done in two ways:
- Electrical cardioversion.
- Drug cardioversion.
In electrical cardioversion, electric shocks are sent to the heart through paddles or patches to reset the heart rhythm. To reset the heart rhythm, medications are given through an IV or mouth in drug cardioversion. Cardioversion is normally done as a scheduled operation in a hospital, although it can also be done in an emergency. To lower the risk of blood clots and strokes, warfarin or another blood thinner may be administered a few weeks before the procedure.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs may be taken indefinitely after electrical cardioversion to help prevent recurring episodes of atrial fibrillation. There’s a chance you’ll have another episode of atrial fibrillation, even if you’re on medicine.
