Cardioversion Preparation Instructions

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Richmond Heart Care – Patient Information

Cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with certain types of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. To ensure your safety and the best possible outcome, please follow the preparation instructions below carefully.

1. Before Your Procedure

Do Not Eat or Drink After Midnight

• No food or drink after 12:00 AM the night before your cardioversion.

• You may take your regular heart medications in the morning with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise by your cardiologist.

Avoid the Following After Midnight

• Smoking

• Chewing gum

• Lozenges, cough drops, hard candy

Medication Notes

Please follow your cardiologist’s instructions regarding:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) — These must be taken exactly as prescribed for  weeks leading up to cardioversion to minimize the risk of stroke.

• Diabetes medications — Your doctor may advise holding or adjusting insulin or oral medications the morning of the procedure.​

• If you have any medication questions, contact our office prior to your appointment.

2. What to Bring

• BC Services Card and one piece of government-issued photo ID

• A list of current medications

• Wear comfortable clothing

• Do NOT bring valuables (jewelry, cash, laptops)

3. Arrival Information

• Please arrive at Richmond Hospital – Surgical Day Care (Red Zone) at 6:15 AM.

• Check in at the Surgical Day Care front desk.

4. Important Requirements

Responsible Adult Required

You must have a responsible adult who:

• Accompanies you to the hospital

• Stays on-site for the duration of the procedure

• Escorts you home afterwards

You may not take a taxi, Uber, or public transit alone.

No Driving for 24 Hours

Because sedative medications are used during cardioversion:

• You cannot drive for 24 hours after the procedure.

• Avoid operating heavy machinery or signing legal documents for 24 hours.

Someone Should Stay With You

It is strongly recommended that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following sedation.

5. Possible Same-Day Cancellations

There is a small chance that the hospital may need to cancel your cardioversion at short notice due to:

• Emergency cases

• Equipment availability

• Hospital capacity issues

If this occurs:

• Contact our office at 604-332-0070

• We will reschedule you as soon as the next available opening becomes available.

6. What to Expect on the Day of Cardioversion

Before the Procedure

• A nurse will place monitoring stickers (electrodes) on your chest.

• An IV will be started for sedation.

• You will meet the physician and anesthetist who will review the procedure and answer any questions. 

During the Procedure

• You will receive short-acting sedation so you are asleep and comfortable.

• A controlled electrical shock is delivered to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

• The entire procedure typically takes a few minutes.

After the Procedure

• You will rest in the recovery area for 1–2 hours.

• Your heart rhythm will be monitored.

• You may experience mild chest redness where pads were placed—this is normal and temporary.

• Your doctor will inform you of the results before you go home.

 

7. After-Care at Home

• Resume eating and drinking as tolerated once fully awake.

• Continue all medications unless told otherwise.

• Mild fatigue is normal for the rest of the day.

• Contact your doctor or go to Emergency if you experience:

  • Severe chest pain

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Persistent dizziness

  • Fainting

  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat returning

8. Important Safety Information

• You must continue your anticoagulant medication exactly as directed before and after the procedure to reduce your risk of stroke.

• Notify our office if you missed any doses of your blood thinner in the previous 3 weeks—your procedure may need to be postponed.

Need to Reschedule or Have Questions?

📞 Richmond Heart Care Office: 604-332-0070