Aa
how many shocks when converting to normal rythum
I am 39 year old male with attrial fib! I have had three cardioversions in 1 and a half years, This last time it took five shocks to convert, how many shocks can you have at one cardioversion??Also is it better to start out in low voltage and increase or start out strong, i have had it done both ways.
Dear todd,
Hopefully you were asleep during each of these episodes! There is not a limit on the number of shocks that an individual can have although if multiple attempts are not working sometimes the doctor will stop trying. In general I start at a higher voltage because I find the higher voltages are more successful but other doctors start at lower voltages and work up. There are newer 'biphasic' defibrillators available that use much lower energy to shock (average 100J compare to 200J). In addition care must be taken in proper positioning of the patches. The front patch should be just to the right of the sternum and the back patch just to the left of the spine at the level of the heart. Pressure applied to the patch during the cardioversion also helps decrease the voltage needed. Finally I think given your age and difficulty maintaining sinus rhythm you should consider an afib ablation procedure. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic I would recommend Dr. Natale. You can make an appointment with him by calling the number below.
Hopefully you were asleep during each of these episodes! There is not a limit on the number of shocks that an individual can have although if multiple attempts are not working sometimes the doctor will stop trying. In general I start at a higher voltage because I find the higher voltages are more successful but other doctors start at lower voltages and work up. There are newer 'biphasic' defibrillators available that use much lower energy to shock (average 100J compare to 200J). In addition care must be taken in proper positioning of the patches. The front patch should be just to the right of the sternum and the back patch just to the left of the spine at the level of the heart. Pressure applied to the patch during the cardioversion also helps decrease the voltage needed. Finally I think given your age and difficulty maintaining sinus rhythm you should consider an afib ablation procedure. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic I would recommend Dr. Natale. You can make an appointment with him by calling the number below.
todd,
i would like to know the answer to your question about shocks during cardioversion too. i am also in atrial fib and have been for 6 l/2 years. i was cardioverted at least six times the first year i had it, but to no avail. i would only stay in sinus rhythm about 1 or 2 weeks and then go back into a-fib.
i hope you find something o some medication that works for you.
if you would like to chat or have any questions i can help you with, please feel free to email me. ***@****
eilene
i would like to know the answer to your question about shocks during cardioversion too. i am also in atrial fib and have been for 6 l/2 years. i was cardioverted at least six times the first year i had it, but to no avail. i would only stay in sinus rhythm about 1 or 2 weeks and then go back into a-fib.
i hope you find something o some medication that works for you.
if you would like to chat or have any questions i can help you with, please feel free to email me. ***@****
eilene
You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Forum
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.
