Definition of Electrical Therapy

Electrical Therapy

Electrical therapy refers to the use of controlled electrical shocks to correct dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. The main forms are defibrillation, which delivers an unsynchronized shock to terminate ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and synchronized cardioversion, which times the shock to the heart's rhythm to treat organized but unstable rhythms such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia.

A third form, transcutaneous pacing, delivers timed electrical impulses to stimulate the heart in cases of severe symptomatic bradycardia. These therapies are central components of the ACLS algorithms, and their safe, effective use — including correct energy selection and team safety during shock delivery — is a key skill for advanced providers.

CPR Certification Labs provides hands-on, American Heart Association–aligned CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification training to help providers master these life-saving skills.

Medical Definition & Meaning

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