Ventricular fibrillation
Definition
Ventricular fibrillation (arrhythmia) is a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, inadequate heartbeat. This condition occurs in the two lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles, causing them to quiver instead of pumping necessary blood to the body.
Causes
Ventricular fibrillation is most commonly associated with heart attacks or scarring of the heart tissue after a heart attack. Other causes can include certain medications or genetic disorders. In some cases, ventricular fibrillation can occur in people who appear to have a normal heart, a condition known as idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of ventricular fibrillation is loss of consciousness, which occurs rapidly due to the heart's inability to pump blood to the brain. Other symptoms can include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness prior to losing consciousness.
Diagnosis
Ventricular fibrillation is diagnosed based on the results of an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can detect the abnormal heart rhythm. Other diagnostic tests can include blood tests, chest X-rays, an echocardiogram, or a coronary angiogram.
Treatment
The immediate treatment for ventricular fibrillation is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, which uses an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. Long-term treatment can include medications, implantable devices such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or a procedure known as catheter ablation.
Prognosis
The prognosis for ventricular fibrillation depends on the underlying cause and the immediate treatment received. With prompt treatment, survival rates can be as high as 90%. However, without immediate treatment, ventricular fibrillation is fatal.
Prevention
Prevention of ventricular fibrillation involves managing underlying heart conditions, living a heart-healthy lifestyle, and in some cases, having an ICD implanted.