Your cardiologist might suggest this procedure for an irregular heartbeat. It’s often done in the same place as an echocardiogram. A DC cardioversion aims to bring back a normal heartbeat in conditions like atrial fibrillation.

It’s a safe procedure. The crucial aspect of the procedure is to carefully inspect the heart for blood clots, with the help of the transoesophageal echocardiogram. Dr Chia is known to identify and find these clots missed by other cardiologists.

During the cardioversion, people often think the heart is stopped and restarted, but that’s not true. A temporary electrical impulse resets the heart’s electrical activity, allowing the normal rhythm to return.

Another common misconception is that this procedure cures these arrhythmias. It’s meant to temporarily restore rhythm. For long term maintenance of your rhythm, medications or an ablation procedure is often needed.

Dr Chia is happy to discuss this procedure in more detail. If you or your doctor feel you will benefit from this procedure, please contact our practice.