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Precautions and complications

Authoring team

Prior to cardioversion it is important to ensure that:

  • antiarrhythmic drug concentrations e.g. digoxin are within the therapeutic window (some stop drugs several days before cardioversion)
  • the serum potassium is within normal limits

Complications

  • arrhythmias e.g. ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation

  • thromboembolism:
    • this risk is minimised by formal anticoagulation of patients with long-standing atrial fibrillation or ventricular aneurysm
    • anticoagulation should be for a period of 1 month before the cardioversion and maintained for a further period of 1 month after the cardioversion

  • chest wall burns - this is prevented by the proper use of saline gel pads

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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