External Cardioversion

Risks of external cardioversion are rare. However, the potential risks of the procedure to be aware of include:

• blood clots 
• minor burns and chest discomfort at the site of the electrode pads 
• nausea from the anaesthetic
• dizziness from a drop in blood pressure

Your consultant will talk you through any potential complications before the procedure and answer any questions you have.

Your Welbeck consultant cardiologist will talk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have at a consultation before you have treatment. 

They will also give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your cardioversion, such as avoiding eating on the day of the procedure.

You may also need to have an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) or wear a heart monitor for 24 hours before having the procedure to check that your heart rhythm is still abnormal. Your consultant will arrange this for you. 

You should come to your appointment wearing little or no jewellery as you will be asked to remove it. You should also avoid applying any oils or moisturisers to your chest.

The procedure itself takes around 10 minutes to perform, but you should plan to spend around 4 to 6 hours in total at Welbeck to allow time for procedure preparation and your recovery.

After the procedure, you'll spend an hour or so in the recovery room, where you'll be monitored closely. You will feel sleepy as the anaesthetic wears off and may feel some aching and tenderness in your chest. 

At Welbeck, external cardioversion is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you'll be able to go home on the same day. However, it's important that in the first 24 hours after your treatment, you do not drink alcohol, drive, or operate heavy machinery, while the anaesthetic wears off completely. 

Your consultant will review your health and the effectiveness of the treatment at a follow-up consultation. 

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an external cardioversion, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

FAQS

How successful is external cardioversion in restoring a normal heart rhythm?

External cardioversion is often highly effective, particularly for patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter of short duration. While outcomes can vary based on individual health factors and how long the abnormal rhythm has been present, success rates typically range between 70% to 90%.

Can external cardioversion be repeated if it doesn’t work the first time?

Yes. If the first cardioversion attempt is unsuccessful, it can often be repeated, sometimes with adjustments such as higher energy levels, different electrode placement, or additional medication support. Your consultant will assess the best approach based on your specific situation.

Do I need to continue taking medication after the procedure?

In many cases, patients continue taking anti-arrhythmic or anticoagulant medications after cardioversion to help maintain a normal rhythm and reduce the risk of stroke. Your consultant will provide you with personalised advice and a tailored treatment plan that considers your medical history and response to the procedure. 

Is there anything I can do to prevent my abnormal rhythm from returning?

Certain lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, treating sleep apnoea, and staying physically active, may help reduce the likelihood of future arrhythmias.