Discharge advice for patients following daycase cardioversion

You have had a short acting general anaesthetic, and then treatment which aims to get your abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) back to a normal pattern.

This has involved sending electric signals to your heart through electrodes placed on the chest.

You may find your skin a little sore for two to three days after the procedure, particularly where the pads were placed. You may also have some bruising on the chest which will fade in a few days.

You may take paracetamol for this discomfort and we may give you some hydrocortisone cream before you go home if your chest is red.

You should have someone to stay with you for 24 hours following the procedure as you may feel drowsy and should rest especially if you feel sick or dizzy.

Please refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol for the rest of the day after this procedure.

You must not drive a car, sign a legal document, or operate machinery for 24 hours following the procedure.

You should continue with your medications as instructed until your outpatient appointment.

If you are on warfarin, please continue having your warfarin blood test as instructed by the anti coagulation clinic.

You will receive a letter to offer you an appointment in the outpatient clinic in about three months time.

If you have any concerns specific to your cardiac procedure during your first week at home, please contact us:

Telephone number: 01273 696955, extension: 4484. You can call this number any time.

Or

Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists: 01273 696955, extension 7041. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Email: bsuh.arrhythmia.nurses@nhs.net

For more general concerns please speak to your GP.

We recognise that coming to hospital can sometimes be difficult and we are here to help, should you need it.

If you have any issues or concerns about your care it is always best to speak initially to the person in charge of the ward or department. If you’re not happy with their response, please do get in touch with PALS.

Disclaimer

The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.