My 93 year old Mother was diagonised that her heart is starting to shut down. She has a blood clot on the heart, and the top and bottom of the heart are not beating correctly together. The doctor suggested a pace maker to help her heart beat more regular, blood thinners to dissolve the clot, then when that is done, do Cardio Version to shock her heart into beating correct. This seems very extreme for someone that age, who also is developing mild dementia. What are the risks to that age, and is it worth putting her through all of this? She has never had surgery, and is in fairly good health living alone at this time. The doctor said if not done she could faint, or fall and would not be able to live alone as she wishes. I told her she could fall anyway, because she is unsteady and could end up in a nursing home anyway, and if the dementia continues, would just prolong her life in a way she would not want. Other family members think it should be done, even though she has requested not to do anyithing to prolong her life, or to ressitate her. Can the heart stop during the Cardio Version, and if so how would her DNR apply? I am very confused on what is the right thing to do. I need to know soon. Thank You.