Which arrhythmia can be effectively treated with synchronized cardioversion?

Synchronized cardioversion is an effective treatment for supraventricular tachycardia. This procedure involves delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart at a specific moment during the cardiac cycle, usually just after a QRS complex, to restore a normal rhythm.

In the case of supraventricular tachycardia, the rapid heart rate originates above the ventricles and can often be terminated quickly and safely with synchronized cardioversion, thus restoring normal sinus rhythm.

While atrial fibrillation can also be treated with synchronized cardioversion, it typically requires a specific clinical scenario, particularly when the duration of the fibrillation has been short and there are no contraindications.

Ventricular tachycardia with a pulse can occasionally be treated with synchronized cardioversion, but the priority is often to stabilize the patient before administering shocks and other treatments may be appropriate, depending on the patient's stability.

Bradycardia is not treated with cardioversion as it involves a slow heart rate that does not require immediate electrical intervention. Instead, management of bradycardia usually focuses on addressing the underlying cause or using medications, rather than delivering synchronized shocks.