DC Cardioversion

Abstract

Arrhythmias are common in post-operative and critically ill patients. The urgency of treatment will be dictated by the patient’s vital signs and underlying pathology. Salient details about the patient’s cardiac anatomy, hemodynamic stability, coagulation status, current medication as well as airway and ventilation status will need to be reviewed prior to the cardioversion. Correcting any precipitating causes and pharmacological treatment should be considered prior to electrical cardioversion. It is important to bear in mind that patients with atrial arrhythmias of unknown duration or approaching 36+h may need an echocardiographic study to rule out thrombus and might have to be commenced on anti-coagulation.