Cardioversion is a common procedure to shock the heart back into rhythm. Most patients who undergo a cardioversion procedure have either atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The procedure is done in the EP lab under the direction of a team of highly trained doctors, nurses, and technologists.
You should avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the study except for your normal medications, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or nurse. Most patients who undergo this procedure are placed on coumadin, a blood thinner, for at least four weeks before and following cardioversion.