Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia in which the ventricles of the heart contract in a rapid and disorganised manner, resulting in an ineffective pumping of blood. VF is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
VF is often the result of an underlying heart condition, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, or structural abnormalities of the heart. It can also be caused by certain medications or illicit drugs. In some cases, VF may be triggered by an acute event, such as a heart attack or electrical shock.
Symptoms
Symptoms of VF may include:
- Chest pain: This may be a sharp or crushing pain, or it may feel like pressure or tightness in the chest.
- Rapid or irregular pulse: The heart may beat too fast or too slow, or the rhythm may be irregular.
- Shortness of breath: This may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Loss of consciousness: VF can cause a person to lose consciousness, or pass out.
- Other symptoms: Other symptoms of VF may include palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
If not treated promptly, VF can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
Treatment for VF typically involves immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, which involves the use of an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.