Ventricular fibrillation

Definition

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, erratic electrical impulses in the ventricles. This condition leads to ineffective blood pumping and can result in sudden cardiac arrest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. VF is often treated with defibrillation, which delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
2. Amiodarone and lidocaine are commonly used antidysrhythmic drugs for managing VF.
3. VF can be triggered by myocardial infarction, electrolyte imbalances, or severe heart disease.
4. During VF, the ventricles quiver instead of contracting properly, compromising blood circulation to vital organs.
5. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in VF to prevent irreversible organ damage or death.

Review Questions

• What is the primary treatment for ventricular fibrillation?
• Which antidysrhythmic drugs are commonly administered during a VF episode?
• What are some common causes that can trigger ventricular fibrillation?

Related terms

Defibrillation: The use of an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Amiodarone:

An antidysrhythmic drug used to treat various types of arrhythmias including VF.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness often caused by arrhythmias such as VF.