Cardioversion in Children

Cardioversion is a medical procedure to treat heart arrhythmias and restore a normal heart rhythm.

Cardioversion is a medical procedure to treat heart arrhythmias and restore a normal heart rhythm. There are two different types of cardioversion:

Direct current cardioversion is done by sending an electronic shock to your heart through patches or paddles placed on the chest to quickly restore a normal heart rhythm. Sedation or general anesthesia will be given prior to direct current cardioversion. In most instances, patients can go home the same day as their procedure.

Medical cardioversion is done by giving an anti-arrhythmic medication either by mouth or in an IV to restore a normal heart rhythm. The effect of these medications can take a few hours to work.

Last updated on January 06, 2022

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Heart Rhythm Disorders

Millions of people experience irregular or abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias, at some point in their lives. Most of the time, they are harmless and happen in healthy people free of heart disease. However, some abnormal heart rhythms can be serious or even deadly. Having other types of heart disease can also increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

This section is for pediatric patients and families living with heart rhythm disorders and heart rhythm disorders related to congenital heart disease (CHD).

Early Warning Signs

If you are experiencing a racing, pounding, rumbling or flopping feeling in your chest or if you have been fainting, having repeated dizzy spells, feeling lightheaded or you are extremely fatigued, it's time to see a doctor to discuss your heart health.

Common Treatments

Learning about the underlying cause of any heart rhythm disorder provides the basis for selecting the best treatment plan. Information and knowledge about care options, and their risks and benefits help you work with your health care provider to make the best choices.

Since other heart disorders increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms, lifestyle changes often are recommended. Living a “heart healthy” lifestyle can ease the symptoms experienced with heart rhythm disorders and other heart disorders, and can be beneficial to overall patient health.

The Normal Heart

The heart is a fist-sized muscle that pumps blood through the body 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without rest. The normal heart is made up of four parts: two atria on the top of the heart (right atrium and left atrium), and two ventricles (right ventricle and left ventricle) which are the muscular chambers on the bottom of the heart that provide the major power to pump blood.