Elective Cardioversion is organised at the request of your Cardiologist for patients with an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. Simply put, elective cardioversion uses an electrical impulse to revert the heart to its regular rhythm.
Cardioversion can correct a heartbeat that’s too fast (tachycardia) or irregular (fibrillation). Cardioversion is usually used to treat people who have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. These conditions occur when the electrical signals that normally make your heart beat at a regular rate don’t travel properly through the upper chambers of your heart. The procedure, and recovery after the procedure, usually takes about 4 hours but can take longer. This procedure does involve a mild anaesthetic.
You will be admitted to the Critical Care Unit at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus and you’ll need to fill in an admission form and sign a consent form. This will be done at your appointment at Coffs Cardiology with your Cardiologist. A blood test needs to be undertaken 2-3 days before your cardioversion date. In addition, you cannot eat or drink anything six (6) hours prior to the procedure. Please advise staff at admission if you are diabetic.
Please note that you will be unable to drive for 24 hours so you will need to arrange transport to and from the hospital.
We are conveniently located in Coffs Harbour on the Pacific Highway in the Specialist Medical Centre (take the exit for ‘Base Hospital’ at traffic lights). There is plenty of parking. We are on Level 2 in Suite 208.
Please take a ticket at the boom gate and bring to your appointment for validation for free parking.