About Cardioversion
Key Highlights
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Effectively restores a normal heart rhythm in many patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter.Can quickly relieve symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.Helps reduce the long-term risk of stroke and heart failure associated with persistent arrhythmias.Is a relatively quick procedure, often completed within an hour.Performed under sedation, so the patient experiences minimal discomfort.
Who is this surgery for?
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) that is new-onset, persistent, or causing severe symptoms.
- Atrial Flutter with a rapid ventricular rate.
- Other supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) that do not respond to medication.
- To alleviate symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, extreme fatigue, or shortness of breath caused by the arrhythmia.
- When medication (antiarrhythmic drugs) has failed to restore normal rhythm.
- To improve heart function and reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
How to prepare
- Blood tests to check electrolyte levels and kidney function.
- An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to check for blood clots in the heart chambers.
- Taking blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) for several weeks before and after to prevent stroke.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 6-12 hours before the procedure.
- Adjusting or temporarily stopping certain medications as advised by the cardiologist.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure due to sedation.
Risks & possible complications
- Dislodgement of a blood clot leading to stroke (minimized by proper anticoagulation).
- Skin burns or irritation at the site of the electrode patches.
- Temporary abnormal heart rhythms after the shock.
- Rarely, worsening of the arrhythmia or the development of a new one.
- Reactions to the sedative medication, such as breathing problems or nausea.
- Low blood pressure following the procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours until the sedation wears off.
- Vital signs and heart rhythm will be closely watched.
- You may feel drowsy and should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the rest of the day.
- You can typically resume normal diet and activities the next day, as advised.
- It is crucial to continue taking all prescribed medications, especially blood thinners.
- Follow-up appointments with your cardiologist are essential to monitor your heart rhythm and medication effectiveness.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (often same-day discharge)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for immediate post-procedure effects; several weeks for full stabilization on medications
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cardioversion in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cardioversion in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cardioversion. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cardioversion compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 25 Thousand – 75 Thousand | 0-1 days (often same-day discharge) | ~ 1-2 days for immediate post-procedure effects; several weeks for full stabilization on medications | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 87.5 Thousand – 263 Thousand | 0-1 days (often same-day discharge) | ~ 1-2 days for immediate post-procedure effects; several weeks for full stabilization on medications | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cardioversion in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cardioversion.
Vikram Jones, a 58-year-old high school...
Vikram Jones, a 58-year-old high school history teacher, had always been active but noticed increasing fatigue and a persistent, uncomfortable fluttering in his chest over several months. His primary care physician diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Despite trying medication, his heart rate remained erratic, leaving him breathless during simple tasks like climbing stairs and unable to focus in class. His cardiologist, Dr. Evans, recommended an elective electrical cardioversion to restore a normal rhythm and reduce stroke risk. On the day of the procedure, Vikram was anxious but relieved to be taking action. Under brief sedation, the quick electrical shock was administered. He woke up groggy but instantly noticed the absence of the chaotic fluttering. In recovery, his EKG showed a perfect sinus rhythm. Over the following weeks, his energy returned dramatically. Emotionally, he moved from a state of constant, low-grade anxiety about his heart to profound relief and optimism. He felt like he had regained control and could fully engage with his students and his passion for gardening again.
Cardiologists for Cardioversion
Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform cardioversion and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 55 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala