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What is a cardioversion?

(34 Posts)
ExDancer Sat 08-Jan-22 14:57:48

Is a cardioversion the procedure where your heart is stopped and then restarted again?
Dr Google just says that the heart is shocked into regaining its normal rhythm, but DH's friend has told him his heart will be stopped and that if he can't be shocked 'back to life' he will die.
Understandably he's considering refusing the treatment.
I'm certain his consultant will have explained it to him, but he has a tendency to not really listen on these occasions, and as he adamantly refuses to let me attend consultations with him I can only go on what I read in his referral letters.
He hates anything medical, preferring to ignore ill health on the grounds that it'll just 'go away'. Nine times oit of ten it does go away - but not this time.
He'll be 83 in April.

ExDancer Sun 09-Jan-22 13:47:06

I've just looked at the BUPA page myself. Thank you Peasblossom it does say in black and white, "the heart does not stop". You have put my mind at rest.
I did wonder how people who'd had it done knew their heart had stopped if they are unconscious at the time, did their consultant tell them so?

Peasblossom Sun 09-Jan-22 13:49:17

It was false information, I’m afraid?

Shandy57 Sun 09-Jan-22 18:20:19

Show your DH's 'friend' ExDancer. This type of misinformation is very damaging and he shouldn't be repeating it to anyone else. Best of luck to your DH, I hope it works for him.

ElaineI Sun 09-Jan-22 18:39:12

Your heart is not stopped and restarted. It is shocked into a a more normal rhythm. I am an ex nurse and have assisted at this. There are risks which will be explained but there would be a greater risk leaving it as it is.

merlotgran Sun 09-Jan-22 18:41:33

I had a cardioversion last May after eight days in hospital with unexplained tachycardia. It worked first time and I immediately felt much better although they did keep me in for two more days as a precaution.

I’m now on regular medication which will hopefully prevent a recurrence.

Visgir1 Sun 09-Jan-22 18:49:29

I have already posted about this as I had one on Sept.
I'm also a Cardiac Physiologist and being treated in my workplace was interesting to see it from the patients side.
The Defibrillator is set to give the shock on the R wave (ECG's are identified as P, Q, R, S, T waves) hence making them easier to read. The R wave is the trigger point and safest defection to re boot the Heart.
It's quick and easy and really not a problem. The heart is Not stopped.

ExDancer Wed 12-Jan-22 14:39:44

I missed your post Visgirl.
You were right about the BUPA information Peasblossom, its there in black and white 'the heart is not stopped' is what it says. Odd that they would give out wrong information.

The 'friend' who gave my husband the heeby geebies had it done and it didn't work. He woke up in agony with his shoulder feeling as though it was dislocated (although an xray proved it wasn't). He still finds using his R arm difficult and has to brush his hair with his left arm and (too much information coming) ditto with cleaning himself after toileting!
DH picked up his tablets this morning which is a good sign.

Shandy57 Wed 12-Jan-22 16:25:42

If he does have the op ExDancer I do recommend protecting your husband from all stress.

My husband had just had it done when we went on his 60ieth birthday treat, a Christmas lunch with the kids on the Northern Belle train. When we returned from the trip late at night we had two minutes warning our train home had changed to a platform some distance away. Just walking fast unfortunately reversed the op.