As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that the duration of a cardioversion procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cardioversion (elective or emergency), the patient's condition, and the specific heart rhythm disorder being treated. For a non-emergency electrical cardioversion, the procedure itself typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. This includes the time for preparation, such as administering sedation, placing electrodes on the chest, and monitoring the heart rhythm. The actual shock delivery is brief, lasting only a few seconds. However, patients are usually monitored for a period after the procedure to ensure stability. In an emergency situation, the process is expedited to prioritize the patient's immediate needs. The actual cardioversion may still take a few minutes, but the entire process, from decision to shock, can be much quicker, sometimes within minutes. It's important to note that preparation and recovery times can add to the overall duration of the hospital stay, but the procedure itself is relatively quick. read more >>

Cardioversion itself is a very quick procedure, taking only a few minutes. However, you should expect to stay at the hospital for four to six hours, which includes preparation and recovery time.read more >>