Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation - questions about effectiveness, etc.

[No Vested Interest]

Cardioversion has been recommended for my recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation.
My a-fib is of the type that the heart beats slower, as opposed to those who have faster beats, palpitations, etc.

I wouldn't have known I had the condition, although I have been more tired and with less energy for about 6 months.
I also have increased swelling of ankles and legs, which leads to fluid in the chest cavity, a precursor to congestive heart failure.
ECG revealed the condition; heart echo shows my heart has not been altered/damaged at this time.
I am past 80, live alone in a one-floor house and mostly independent, though I sure appreciate any and all assistance from two nearby children.

I have mixed feelings about cardioversion, as I hear many comments that it doesn't work or doesn't work very long if it works initially.
Questions - does it work equally well for curing slow beat as it does for faster beats?
How does one know, except for ECG, that heart is still in rhythm?

[hlthe2b]

1. I strongly recommend you find the answers you are seeking either from your cariologist or

a second opinion cardiologist, as there are likely to be some individual issues that will make the choice of cardioconversion v medical therapy more clear.

But, it is important to inform yourself with reliable information
I'd start with the American Heart Association's detailed info:

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/cardioversion

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. I strongly agree with your recommendation!

This is not the proper place to find accurate info on such a complex topic.

[FarPoint]

4. I second that recommendation...

Healthy advice to make an informed decision.

[No Vested Interest]

9. You are all correct that I need to seek info from other sources re cardioversion.

I have consulted twice with both the PA in my cardiologist's office, as well as, briefly, with the physician who will do the procedure.
I just have to feel comfortable in my own skin before I set the time and date. - My own personal issue.

Still have more reading & research to do, but I do respect the experiences of DUers who care to share.

[safeinOhio]

3. Good luck and let us know what you find.

I'm 70 and have bradycardia, slow heart beat, and my resting pulse is about 42 beats per minute. EKG showed I have First-degree AV block. Suffered most of my life with elevated BP and pulse. I jog 3 days a week and my doctor says that may help. That's jog, not run.
Getting old is not for the weak.

[No Vested Interest]

5. Slow heartbeat is better than fast, I'm told.

My runner son had a slower heart beat than average.
He was a competitive swimmer as youngster - long practices swimming lengths.
In high school it seems the swimming practice made him good for long-distance running, and in college for rowing.

You're correct about personal strength needed as we age.
How would we get through this pandemic without it?

[Claire Oh Nette]

6. Cardioversion

Cardio-version is not complicated or painful. The staff will administer a sedative, place pads front and back, and then jolt you into a normal sinus rhythm.

My mother had two of these when she had runs of A-fib.

When I went to the ER with a heart rate of 255 two Septembers ago, when four doses of adenosine did not resent my v-fib, down for cardio-inversion. Took three jolts.

Once you are reset, A-fib can be controlled with medication.

If you have an arrhythmia, you will become hyper-attuned to your body and cognizant of when your heart races, and when it resets itself.

out of rhyth, will lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, lethargy, or with "life threatening v-fib" profuse sweating.

[No Vested Interest]

10. Thanks for your input!

[mike_c]

7. I had it a few years ago.

The procedure itself was no big deal under sedation. On the other hand the lab that was monitoring my warfarin messed up and I was bleeding like a stuck pig. I literally pissed blood. Getting an IV line in was gruesome. My nurse was horrified to learn that I was using power tools on my days off. Good times.

[No Vested Interest]

11. Glad you came through your experience!!

[Claire Oh Nette]

8. Cardioversion

Cardio-version is not complicated or painful. The staff will administer a sedative, place pads front and back, and then jolt you into a normal sinus rhythm.

My mother had two of these when she had runs of A-fib.

When I went to the ER with a heart rate of 255 two Septembers ago, when four doses of adenosine did not resent my v-fib, down for cardio-inversion. Took three jolts.

Once you are reset, A-fib can be controlled with medication.

If you have an arrhythmia, you will become hyper-attuned to your body and cognizant of when your heart races, and when it resets itself.

When you are out of rhythm, you'll have shortness of breath, fatigue, lethargy, or with "life threatening v-fib" profuse sweating.