You have been referred for an elective cardioversion. This leaflet is to provide you with appropriate information relating to the procedure.  Please note the pre-assessment and procedure are only available at West Cumberland Hospital.  It is important that we provide you with the right information to enable you to make an informed decision about whether the cardioversion procedure is right for you.

The procedure is performed if your heart is irregular – this is called ATRIAL FIBRILLATION or ATRIAL FLUTTER (AF). This must be confirmed with an ECG. We offer the procedure to help with symptom management and / or improve the function of your heart. We are unable to guarantee the success of the procedure.

Certain conditions make the procedure less likely to be successful, if any of these apply to you it might be that the procedure would not be recommended or you may chose not to go ahead – these are listed below.

  • BMI >35
  • AF for >2 year duration
  • Dilated atria (enlarged upper heart chambers)
  • Weekly alcohol intake >24 units.
  • Uncorrected valve disease.
  • Advanced age and or other significant comorbidities.
  • Previous successful cardioversion, with early recurrence of atrial fibrillation / flutter
  • If you do not experience any symptoms that impact your day to day activities – such as shortness of breath, pre-syncope / syncope (feeling light headed or collapsing)
We would like to make all patients aware that the frequency and severity of arrhythmia is known to be improved if you can: -
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a BMI of 27 or below.
  • Restrict any alcohol intake to within the recommended guidelines (4 units per week in the context of arrhythmia) or ideally abstain completely. 
  • In collaboration with your GP, manage the following conditions as possible: High blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, high cholesterol and diabetes. 

The Pre-assessment clinic appointment takes place at West Cumberland Hospital on a face to face basis. You will be seen by a Cardiology Specialist Nurse who will perform an up to date ECG, blood pressure, heart & lung examination, height and weight.  The procedure will be explained including the risks and the benefits.  You will be able to ask any questions and discuss any concerns. If the decision is made that the procedure is to go ahead, the Cardiology Specialist Nurse will list you and a date will follow in due course.  If the decision is made that the procedure will not go ahead the Specialist Nurse will refer you back to the original referring team or Doctor.

The cardioversion procedure is performed in the Day Case Unit at West Cumberland Hospital, on alternate Tuesday mornings. Unfortunately the cardiology team are unable to offer alternative days or times as the scheduling is governed by the theatre teams.  You should have someone who can bring you to and from West Cumberland Hospital on the day of the procedure. You should aim to be there by 08:00 hours. You must have someone to stay with you overnight at home following the procedure.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302