You may be offered cardioversion if an irregular heartbeat is causing symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, tiredness, dizziness, reduced exercise tolerance, or chest discomfort.

Cardioversion is most often used for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, which are rhythm problems that affect the upper chambers of the heart and can cause symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and breathlessness.

We can diagnose these conditions via our Cardiac Physiology Assessment Service.

Before your appointment, we’ll explain how to prepare for the cardioversion procedure and whether to make any changes to your usual medication.

Some people need a transoesophageal echocardiogram first to check for blood clots in the heart. We don’t currently offer transoesophageal echocardiogram at Benenden Hospital.

Cardioversion is usually a day case procedure carried out in our Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) under a short general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and will not feel the shock.

The team will monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout.

Pads are placed on your chest and the controlled electrical shock is delivered to help restore a normal rhythm.

The cardioversion procedure itself usually only takes a few minutes, although you’ll spend longer with us while you prepare and recover.

Cardioversion is often very effective. The success rate of cardioversion may depend on how long you’ve had the rhythm problem, your heart health and whether you have other heart conditions.

If the abnormal rhythm comes back, your consultant may discuss repeating cardioversion or considering another treatment option.

Patients usually convert to a normal sinus rhythm within the first, or second attempt, but we would not continue after a third attempt.

Cardioversion is generally safe, but risks can include skin irritation from the pads, a reaction to the anaesthetic, changes to heart rhythm or, rarely, blood clots.

Your consultant will explain the benefits, risks and any steps needed to reduce complications, such as anticoagulant medication.

After private cardioversion at Benenden Hospital, you’ll be monitored while the anaesthetic wears off. Most people go home the same day.

Before you leave, we’ll check your heart rhythm and blood pressure and explain what to do at home.

You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

You may need to keep taking anticoagulants or heart rhythm medicines, and you’ll have follow up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Your consultant will advise whether cardioversion is suitable based on your symptoms, diagnosis, general health and how long you’ve had the rhythm problem.

This varies from person to person. Some patients remain in a normal heart rhythm for a long time after cardioversion, while others may find their irregular rhythm returns after a period of time.

The success of cardioversion depends on factors such as the type of heart rhythm condition being treated, how long you've had it, and your overall heart health. Your consultant will discuss your individual circumstances and any treatments that may help maintain a normal rhythm.

Cardioversion is a common and well-established treatment for certain abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

It is routinely performed by cardiology teams across the UK and can be an effective way of restoring a normal heart rhythm and helping to relieve symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness and fatigue.

Many patients notice an improvement in their symptoms after a successful cardioversion. For some this can be within a few days, while for others it may take longer.

Everyone recovers differently and how quickly you feel the benefits can depend on your symptoms before treatment and your overall health.

No, cardioversion is not considered surgery because it does not involve an operation or surgical incision.

Cardioversion is a minimally invasive procedure performed under a short general anaesthetic. Most patients return home on the same day and can resume normal activities shortly afterwards, following their consultant's advice.

No, the heart is not stopped during cardioversion.

A controlled electrical impulse is delivered to help restore the heart's normal rhythm. The procedure works by resetting the heart's electrical activity rather than stopping the heart and restarting it.