The heart's ventricles are rapidly, chaotically contracted in ventricle fibrillation, a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods of this erratic rhythm disrupt the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in sudden cardiac arrest.
The most common cause of ventricular fibrillation is coronary artery disease, which narrows or blocks the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
An acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) can cause ventricular fibrillation by disrupting the electrical conduction system of the heart.
VFibrillation can be triggered by conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which affect the heart muscle's structure and function.
VFibrillation can be caused by electrolyte imbalances in the bloodstream, including potassium, sodium, and calcium.
In chronic heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including fibrillation.
As blood flow to the brain is severely compromised, ventricular fibrillation can cause sudden loss of consciousness within seconds to minutes.
People in ventricular fibrillation may have no pulse or spontaneous breathing, indicating cardiac arrest.
The skin may appear pale or bluish due to inadequate blood circulation.
The individual may be unresponsive to external stimuli and show no signs of normal activity.
A person with ventricular fibrillation may experience seizures or involuntary muscle twitching before losing consciousness.
A cardiac monitor and emergency assessment are typically used to diagnose ventricular fibrillation:
A portable defibrillator or cardiac monitor is used by emergency medical personnel to assess a patient's vital signs, level of consciousness, and cardiac rhythm.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to confirm ventricular fibrillation and rule out other arrhythmias.
A blood test can be performed to detect signs of cardiac damage (such as troponin levels) and electrolyte imbalances.
Additional imaging tests may be performed to evaluate the heart's structure and function as well as identify underlying causes, including echocardiography and coronary angiography.
In order to treat ventricular fibrillation and restore normal heart rhythm, immediate intervention is essential:
Defibrillation is the most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation, using either an automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator to deliver an electrical shock to the heart.
To maintain blood circulation and oxygenation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated immediately.
Defibrillation may be followed by advanced cardiac life support measures (e.g., epinephrine, amiodarone) and advanced airway management to stabilize the patient.
In the event of acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease, emergency revascularization procedures can be performed to restore blood flow to the heart muscle, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
The implant of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended for individuals with a high risk of recurrent ventricular fibrillation to monitor their heart rhythm and deliver lifesaving shocks.
Reduce the risk of ventricular fibrillation by managing risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in regular physical activity supports overall cardiovascular health and reduces arrhythmia risk.
Taking prescribed medications as directed, especially those for managing hypertension, heart failure, or arrhythmias, can help prevent cardiac events and arrhythmia recurrences.
Prevent electrolyte imbalances and reduce the risk of ventricular fibrillation by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, seek immediate medical attention to identify and manage underlying cardiac conditions before they progress to ventricular fibrillation.
