Cardioversion is defined as?

Cardioversion is specifically defined as the process of delivering an electrical shock to the heart during a precise moment in the cardiac cycle to restore a normal rhythm. This timing is crucial because administering the shock during certain phases can effectively reset the heart’s electrical activity, allowing it to return to its regular pattern, especially in cases of certain arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or tachycardia. The goal is to synchronize the shock with the heart's depolarization phase to maximize its effectiveness.

In contrast, other approaches to heart rhythm issues, such as pharmacological interventions or methods associated with CPR, although important in their own right, do not fit the definition of cardioversion. The application of an electric current to stop the heart is more aligned with defibrillation, which serves a different purpose and typically applies to life-threatening arrhythmias. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify what cardioversion entails and when it is appropriately utilized in a clinical setting.