Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the cause of half of all heart related deaths. VF is sudden, happens without warning, and stops the heart from working. In VF, the heartbeat is fast and chaotic, causing the lower heart chambers(ventricles) to lose their ability to pump effectively. This results in a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. If normal rhythm is not restored it will result in death. . Sometimes, a heart attack (blockage of the heart pipes/arteries) can lead to VF. Bystander CPR can provide circulation and improve the survival rates in people with SCA until defibrillation is performed to restore the normal rhythm. Patients at risk for VF and survivors of SCA can be treated with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to provide life-saving prompt treatment.

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a fast and chaotic heart rhythm that occurs in the lower chambers or ventricles. In VF, the heart loses its ability to pump effectively. This results in a drop of blood pressure and loss of consciousness.  If normal rhythm is not restored it will result in death. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA (SCA) caused by ventricular fibrillation is responsible for half of all heart related deaths. Sometimes, a heart attack (blockage of the heart pipes/arteries) can lead to VF.

VF is sudden, happens without warning, and stops the heart from working.

SCA is caused by an electrical problem and although it can be triggered by a heart attack(myocardial infarction), a circulatory (plumbing) problem caused by clogged blood vessels that cut off the supply of blood to the heart, it is not the same as a heart attack

 

Treatment

Bystander CPR can provide circulation and improve the survival rates in people with sudden cardiac death until defibrillation is performed to restore the normal rhythm. Patients at risk for ventricular fibrillation and survivors of sudden cardiac arrest can be treated with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to provide life-saving prompt treatment.

Last updated on November 18, 2021

Keep Exploring

Heart Rhythm Disorders
Millions of people experience irregular or abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias, at some point in their lives. Most of the time, they are harmless and happen in healthy people free of heart disease. However, some abnormal heart rhythms can be serious or even deadly. Having other types of heart disease can also increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
This section is for pediatric patients and families living with heart rhythm disorders and heart rhythm disorders related to congenital heart disease (CHD).
Early Warning Signs
If you are experiencing a racing, pounding, rumbling or flopping feeling in your chest or if you have been fainting, having repeated dizzy spells, feeling lightheaded or you are extremely fatigued, it's time to see a doctor to discuss your heart health.
Common Treatments
Learning about the underlying cause of any heart rhythm disorder provides the basis for selecting the best treatment plan. Information and knowledge about care options, and their risks and benefits help you work with your health care provider to make the best choices.
Lifestyle
Since other heart disorders increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms, lifestyle changes often are recommended. Living a “heart healthy” lifestyle can ease the symptoms experienced with heart rhythm disorders and other heart disorders, and can be beneficial to overall patient health.
The Normal Heart
The heart is a fist-sized muscle that pumps blood through the body 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without rest. The normal heart is made up of four parts: two atria on the top of the heart (right atrium and left atrium), and two ventricles (right ventricle and left ventricle) which are the muscular chambers on the bottom of the heart that provide the major power to pump blood.