<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.My aunt just had a heart valve replacement and was released from the hospital about 2-3 days ago. I found out this evening that she is back in ICU. It s my understanding that her heartbeats that should be 100 drops to 50 and that they plan to shock her heart tomorrow! Is this normal procedure? Safe? and what does it all mean is going on? Thank you Bev I apologize, I am not financially able to pay for this service. Thanks anyway  <response>: Hi, According to the scenario you are telling I am expecting she has an irregular heart rate called as AF - Atrial Fibrillation which causes decreased cardiac output and is bad for patients especially those having a valve disease. If she does not have a clot in her heart, and it is a new episode, we generally prefer to convert it into normal regular sinus rhythm which is done in two ways - medically or by giving a small intensity of shock. Giving shock is more effective. So I think this is what your doctors must be doing. I expect that was helpful to you and dont worry that shock is given when patient is sedated so she wont feel anything. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. 