Study Materials » Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a fast, life-threatening heart rhythm initiated in the posterior chambers of the heart. Reading below will provide a detailed view of ventricular fibrillation.

Ventricular fibrillation (occasionally named v-fib for short) is an arrhythmia of the heart’s pumping sequence. It is considered the most common fatal arrhythmia.

When it occurs, the lower chambers of the heart tremble or twitch instead of growing and shrinking. It implies that they aren’t pumping blood as they should. When blood ceases flowing, this results in a person having just a few moments before they pass out. It is called sudden cardiac arrest, which usually causes death in just a few minutes without prompt care and treatment.

Hurried cardiac arrests are the primary reason for death in the United States and account for half of all demises from heart diseases.

Identification of the Disease

Ventricular fibrillation can be diagnosed in a crisis. A pulse examination reveals cessation of pulse and instant cardiac death.

In the case of V-fibrillation, the following are the compilations observed when conducting the tests;

  1. Electrocardiogram- This rapid and pain-free test calculates the electrical movement of one’s heart. The adhesive blotches (electrodes) are set on the chest and limbs. Cables link the electrodes with a machine, which shows the test outcomes. If someone experiences a phase of VF, the ECG normally displays a 300-400 per minute heartbeat.
  2. X-ray of the chest- An X-ray picture of the chest permits doctors to study the dimensions and structure of the heart and vessels.
  3. Echocardiogram- It is a non-invasive test utilizing sound waves to create images of the heart’s size, form, and movement.
  4. CT- The X-ray tube interior of the device revolves around one’s body and forms pictures of the heart.

Emergency Treatment

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) needs an emergency medical remedy to stop instant cardiac death. Some of these include –

  1. CPR- One must initiate CPR by going hard and rapid on the individual’s chest — about 100 to 110 times in a minute. The chest must be allowed to rise between compressions. Resume CPR till an automatic AED is present there or an emergency staff reaches there.
  2. Defibrillation- It is a  treatment which is also stated as cardioversion. The automatic AED creates shocks via the chest surface to one’s heart. It assists in restoring a general heart rhythm. 

Prinz metal’s Angina

Prinz metal’s angina is a vascular twitch of the coronary artery that can imitate acute coronary syndrome. 

  1. The vasospastic angina risk factors cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. 
  2. It is rarely accountable for ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest; however, survivors with these difficulties are at increased risk for recurrent ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. 
  3. The vasospastic angina risk factors include ventricular fibrillation in many patients. It is true despite the presence of normal cardiac operation and optimal medical treatment. 
  4. Therefore, this selected population should be given an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Medications Prescribed 

Medicines to maintain heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics) are utilised for crisis or extended therapy for ventricular fibrillation (VF). If a person is in danger of ventricular arrhythmia or cardiac death, doctors may prescribe medicines to speed down and regulate their heart functions.

Surgery and Other Methods

  1. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-  This is an embedded device that continuously monitors the heartbeat. If this device catches a quick heartbeat and a trembling heart, it transmits out electricity to control the state, therefore, resetting the heart’s beat. This battery-powered machine is embedded around the left clavicle during a small surgery. 
  2. Cardiac ablation- It is a process that uses heat and cold to form small scars in the heart to stop the strange electrical signals which induce ventricular fibrillation (VF). It is performed by thin tubes termed catheters inserted via the blood vessels. 
  3. Coronary bypass operation- It is an open-heart operation that enhances blood discharge towards the heart. During bypass, the doctor takes a normally functioning blood vessel out of the limbs, and chest and links it beneath and beyond some blocked arteries inside the heart. It forms a fresh route for blood to move around.

How can it be managed?

Lifestyle shifts that help keep the heart as fit as possible are:

  1. Healthy diet. Foods healthy for your heart contain fruits, and vegetables with whole grain wheat, plus lean protein bases. Dodging added salt (Na), more sugars, and saturated fats.
  2. Regular exercise.
  3. Avoid smoking.
  4. No alcohol.
  5. Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range. The cholesterol levels must be kept in a healthy range for better health. Keeping a fit bodyweight helps command blood pressure with cholesterol. Take medicines as specified to maintain high blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally, regular check-ups are required to keep an individual on the right track. 

Conclusion

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac arrest can be challenging, especially for people who’ve experienced it earlier. V-fib is one of the most common fatal arrhythmias concerning the pumping sequence of the heart. One should focus on taking steps that would decrease or fully stop stress and tension. This practice keeps our hearts fit and healthy. Do yoga, meditate and listen to your favourite peaceful music to cope with the overflowing and recurrent emotions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the USMLE Examination Preparation.

Is v-fib the same as a heart attack?

Answer : A heart attack is different from ventricular fibrillation because it happens due to the bl...Read full

Can one survive this condition?

Answer : Earlier studies of patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibril...Read full

What triggers this condition?

Answer : Ventricular fibrillation is caused by a difficulty in the heart’s electrical propert...Read full

Does a pacemaker help?

Answer : The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the first of a new type of pace...Read full