What it means
Synchronized cardioversion delivers a lower-energy shock timed to the R wave of the ECG, so it does not land during the vulnerable part of the beat. It is used for rhythms with a pulse, such as atrial fibrillationAY-tree-ul fib-rih-LAY-shunAn irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)fibrill/o small fibers, quivering-ation processFull entry , atrial flutter and some ventricular tachycardia. Planned cardioversion is done with sedation; because clots may form in the atria during atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants are often given first. Drugs can also convert a rhythm (chemical cardioversion).
For the nurse
Make sure the synchronize button is on before the shock, and turn it off if the rhythm turns into ventricular fibrillation. Monitor breathing after sedation.
Remember it
Cardioversion is timed (synchronized) for a heart with a pulse; defibrillation is not timed and is for a heart without one.
At a glance
| Spanish | cardioversión |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
defibrillation
An electric shock given to the heart to stop a chaotic, life-threatening rhythm so a normal rhythm can return.
Related terms
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.
anticoagulant
A drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.
defibrillation
An electric shock given to the heart to stop a chaotic, life-threatening rhythm so a normal rhythm can return.