Shortcut Navigation:   Cardioversion is a corrective procedure
where an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert,
or change, an abnormal heart rhythm back to normal sinus rhythm.
Most elective or "non-emergency" cardioversions are performed to
treat atrial fibrillation (A Fib) or atrial flutter (AFL), non-
life threatening abnormal rhythms in the top of the heart.
Cardioversion is also used in emergency situations to correct an
abnormal rhythm when it is accompanied by faintness, low blood
pressure, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of
consciousness.  What is Cardioversion?  Cardioversion in action
Each normal heartbeat starts in an area of the heart known as
the sinus node, located in the upper right chamber of the heart
(right atrium). The sinus node sends organized electrical
signals through the heart resulting in a perfectly timed,
rhythmic heartbeat. In people with atrial fibrillation however,
this electrical signal is chaotic, causing the atria to
fibrillate (or "quiver"). This typi