Cardioversion is a way to restore your heart's normal rhythm. Chemical cardioversion is done with medications. If medications don't work, electrical cardioversion may be the next step. This procedure uses electricity to help your heartbeat become normal again.

During electrical cardioversion, a doctor gives your heart a brief electric shock. Special pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest. Wires connect the electrodes to an ECG machine that shows your heartbeat.  An intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm gives you a drug that makes you feel sleepy. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. You may be given oxygen through a soft plastic tube in your nose.

A very brief electric shock is sent between paddles on your chest and back. The shock stops all electrical activity in the heart for a brief moment, including the irregular signals that cause your atrial fibrillation. A regular, normal heart rhythm can then take over. In some people, more than one procedure may be needed to restore a normal heart rhythm. In others, the procedure may not work at all.