CARDIOVERSION VS. DEFIBRILLATION

 

Updated 10 /24

Cardioversion is a form of shock treatment sometimes used for Atrial Fibrillation. 
It is used to change the heart rhythm from Atrial fibrillation to a normal rhythm
( sinus rhythm). The shock is done on the R wave of the EKG. Typically, it is not
an emergency.

Defibrillation is a form of shock treatment used for Ventricular fibrillation.
This is a life threatening rhythm and the shock is done as an emergency.

There is usually no pulse and the patient is unresponsive.

To learn more about this topic, simply click on the links below:

Chest pain assessment and quiz

and Sessions 18