Medications can be taken with small sips of water. Prior to the procedure, the consent form will be reviewed with you. A cardiologist and nurse will be present. They will monitor your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and breathing. No, you will be given a strong sedative through the IV, which will put you to sleep for a short period of time.
Most patients experience no uncomfortable sensations during the procedure.
Rarely, patients report a brief sense of discomfort in the chest when the electrical impulse is delivered. Usually there are no serious side effects. Acute changes in heart rhythm, breathing difficulties or stroke can occur, but this is very rare. Because of the irregularity of the heart rhythm, there is a small risk of a stroke whether or not a cardioversion is done. Emergency equipment is always available to treat complications if they should arise.