Advice following cardioversion

You should continue taking your warfarin and all medications unless you are advised otherwise. You will be sent an out-patient appointment to see your Doctor approximately 6 weeks after your cardioversion. Your appointment will be sent to you through the post.

For patients on warfarin: you should continue to attend the anti-coagulant clinic. Your INR needs to continue to be above 2 for 4 weeks after your cardioversion.

Due to the fact that you have had a general anaesthetic, you should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after the procedure. You should not drink alcohol for 24 hours. You are also not advised to do any strenuous activity for several days.

Some people have slight burns on their chest following the cardioversion. If you have been given Flamazine cream this should be applied to the red area twice a day. You should apply this cream using gauze to the affected area only. You should only use this for a few days. Side effects can include skin irritation. Discard the tube when you no longer need this.

If you have any problems or need further advice following discharge please call Syon 1 ward on 020 8321 5130.