What is ventricular fibrillation

Death can occur within one hour of when the condition starts. Other complications can include a coma, a loss of nerve function, and changes in mental function. An irregular heartbeat arrhythmia is a change in the heart's beating pattern.

There are many different types with different causes and effects. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which your heart muscle is thicker than normal. Left bundle branch block is a condition in which there's slowing along the electrical pathway to your heart's left ventricle.

What is sinus rhythm? Learn how it differs from heart rate and what different rhythms could mean. You may be able to stop heart palpitations with a few simple lifestyle changes. Learn about 10 home remedies, as well as tips for keeping your heart….

Arrhythmia or any atypical heart rhythm can be potentially life threatening. We explain the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of arrhythmia. Implantable pacemakers can be a valuable tool to keep your heart in rhythm. Learn more about under-the-skin pacemaker implantation in women. Certain arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, are major risk factors for stroke. Learn more about this connection, symptoms, and treatments. Arrhythmia is sometimes inherited.

We explain the genetics of inherited cardiac arrhythmia, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Prevention and Treatment. Arrhythmia Tools and Resources. Ventricular fibrillation, or V-fib, is considered the most serious cardiac rhythm disturbance. This type of arrhythmia is a medical emergency. Implantable cardiac defibrillators are devices that are implanted within the body that can shock the heart back to normal rhythm within seconds if V-fib is present.

Although this device does not necessarily prevent V-fib, it can rapidly and automatically diagnose and treat this potentially fatal heart rhythm. If you are at risk for V-fib, you should wear a medical ID and let friends and loved ones know what to do in an emergency.

Talk with them about when to call , and encourage them to learn how to use a defibrillator. If you have had V-fib, or are at high risk for it, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for taking medicine to control arrhythmia. It's also helpful to discuss other more invasive options, such as an implantable defibrillator, or surgery, to prevent V-fib.

Educate your friends and family about how to respond if you collapse and stop breathing. It is extremely important to make sure that people around you know what to do in an emergency. Someone should call immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of V-fib:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes ventricular fibrillation? Who is at risk for ventricular fibrillation? The most common risk factors are: A weakened heart muscle cardiomyopathy An acute or prior heart attack Genetic diseases such as Long or Short QT syndrome, Brugada disease, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Certain medicines that affect heart function Electrolyte abnormalities What are the symptoms of ventricular fibrillation?

Symptoms of V-fib include: Near fainting or transient dizziness Fainting Acute shortness of breath Cardiac arrest How is ventricular fibrillation diagnosed? To diagnose V-fib, your healthcare provider will consider: Your vital signs, such as your blood pressure and pulse Tests of heart function, such as an electrocardiogram Your overall health and medical history A description of your symptoms that you, a loved one, or a bystander provides A physical exam How is ventricular fibrillation treated?

Treatment includes: CPR. The first response to V-fib may be cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR. The balloon is placed at the narrowest part of the artery and is then inflated, squashing the clot away. A flexible metal mesh, called a stent, is then placed there to keep that part of the artery open. The damaged blood vessel is by-passed with grafts taken from blood vessels elsewhere in the body.

The bypass effectively goes around the blocked area of the artery, allowing blood to pass through into the heart muscle. If blood supply to the heart is improved, the risk of ventricular fibrillation goes down. Catheters are inserted through a vein, usually in the groin, and threaded to the heart, to correct structural heart problems that cause an arrhythmia.

The aim is to clear the signal pathway of electrical impulses so that the heart may beat normally again. Ablation destroys or scars tissue that blocks electrical signals. Arrhythmia means an irregular heartbeat. Diagnosing it is critical, as arrhythmia can indicate severe heart damage. Learn about types of arrhythmias…. The coronary arteries supply oxygen and blood to the heart.

Learn more about coronary artery disease causes, symptoms, risk factors, and more. In people with congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. Learn about the types, causes, and treatment…. In this article, learn about atrial fibrillation triggers, tips that may help to avoid triggers, lifestyle tips, and what may cause atrial…. Here, learn about the structure of the heart, what each part does, and how it works to support the body.

We also explore the electrical impulses and…. Ventricular fibrillation: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Treatment Causes Symptoms Vs atrial fibrillation Risk factors Diagnosis Prevention Ventricular fibrillation is a serious cardiac disturbance that causes abnormal heart rhythms.

Share on Pinterest Ventricular fibrillation happens when a problem in the lower chambers cause an irregular heart rhythm. Versus atrial fibrillation. Risk factors.

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