Advice following cardioversion

You should continue taking your Warfarin and all medications unless advised otherwise. You will be sent an outpatient appointment to see your doctor approximately six weeks after your cardioversion. Your appointment will be posted to you.

For patients on Warfarin: you should continue to attend the anticoagulant clinic. Your INR needs to continue to be above 2 for four 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 advised not to do any strenuous activity for several days.

Some people have slight burns on their chest following cardioversion. If you have been given Flamazine cream, it should be applied to the red area twice a day. 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 it.

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