What does ventricular fibrillation mean?

Apr 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Ventricular fibrillation generally refers to rapid and irregular excitation of the ventricles, typically exceeding 240 beats per minute. It may result from drug toxicity, electric shock, surgical accidents, or underlying conditions such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease causing acute myocardial ischemia, leading to abnormal cardiac electrical conduction. It is a severe type of arrhythmia that can rapidly progress to cardiac arrest.

Ventricular fibrillation generally refers to rapid and irregular excitation of the ventricles, typically exceeding 240 beats per minute.

Ventricular fibrillation may result from drug toxicity, electric shock, surgical complications, or underlying conditions such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease leading to acute myocardial ischemia, which causes abnormal cardiac electrical conduction. It is characterized by continuous, rapid, and disorganized ventricular electrical impulses, usually above 240 beats per minute, representing a severe type of arrhythmia that can rapidly lead to cardiac arrest. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, seizures, syncope, palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness.

Once ventricular fibrillation occurs, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and electrical defibrillation are generally required to restore normal sinus rhythm.

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What is ventricular fibrillation current?

The minimum current passing through the human body that causes ventricular fibrillation is called the ventricular fibrillation current. Ventricular fibrillation current depends not only on electrical parameters such as duration of current, current pathway, and type of current, but also on individual physiological characteristics such as tissue properties and cardiac function. If any bodily abnormalities are noticed, it is essential to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to prevent worsening of the condition.

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How long after ventricular fibrillation does death occur?

Ventricular fibrillation can lead to death if not promptly treated within 4 to 6 minutes. It is a severe type of arrhythmia; when it occurs, the ventricles lose their ability to contract and are instead replaced by uncoordinated and rapid twitching, resulting in the heart's inability to pump blood. On auscultation, heart sounds are clearly absent.