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Ventricular fibrillation (VFib)
Overview

Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart problem that
makes the heart beat wildly. It stops the heart from pumping
blood well. This can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, a
life-threatening emergency.
It’s important to know about ventricular fibrillation. This
helps us spot its signs, get help fast, and keep our hearts
healthy.
Ventricular fibrillation happens when the heart’s lower
chambers get mixed-up signals. This makes the ventricles
flutter instead of pumping blood right. This messes up the
heart’s job, cutting down blood flow to important parts of
the body.
Without quick help, ventricular fibrillation can cause loss
of consciousness, organ damage, and even death in just
minutes.
Spotting the signs of ventricular fibrillation is key.
People with this problem might suddenly fall down, lose
consciousness, and have no pulse or breathing. Quick actions
like CPR and using an AED can save lives in sudden cardiac
arrest cases.
Ventricular fibrillation may also be called VFib,
V-fib or VF.
What is Ventricular Fibrillation?
Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart problem. It
happens when the heart’s lower chambers get rapid, mixed-up
electrical signals. This makes the heart shake instead of
pumping blood well.
In a normal heart, the right atrium sends out regular
signals. These signals make the heart pump blood
effectively. But, ventricular fibrillation messes up these
signals. The heart then shakes and can’t pump blood right.
This problem can stop blood from reaching important organs
like the brain. If not treated quickly, it can lead to cardiac
arrest and death. Fast action, like CPR and defibrillation,
is key to saving lives.
Knowing the signs of ventricular fibrillation is
important. Look out for sudden
collapse, loss
of consciousness, and no pulse or breathing.
Understanding this condition helps people react fast in
emergencies.
Ventricular Fibrillation vs. Other Arrhythmias
Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart rhythm disorder.
It’s important to know how it differs from other heart
rhythm problems. By comparing ventricular fibrillation with
conditions like ventricular
tachycardia (VT) and atrial
fibrillation (AFib), we can understand their unique
features and treatments.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm that starts
in the ventricles. It’s different from ventricular
fibrillation because it’s more regular. Yet, VT can also be
dangerous and lead to sudden
cardiac arrest if not treated. Treatment options for VT
include medicines, cardioversion, or ablation procedures.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm
disorder, affecting millions. It starts in the atria, unlike
ventricular fibrillation which starts in the ventricles.
While AFib itself is not usually life-threatening, it can
raise the risk of stroke and heart
failure. Treatment for AFib aims to control heart rate,
restore normal rhythm, and prevent complications.
Arrhythmia |
Location |
Characteristics |
Treatment |
Ventricular Fibrillation |
Ventricles |
Chaotic, disorganized rhythm; no effective heartbeat |
CPR, defibrillation, ACLS |
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) |
Ventricles |
Rapid, regular rhythm; compromised cardiac output |
Medications, cardioversion, ablation |
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) |
Atria |
Irregular, rapid rhythm; increased stroke risk |
Rate control, rhythm control, anticoagulation |
Understanding the differences between ventricular
fibrillation and other heart
rhythm disorders helps healthcare providers diagnose and
treat them better. Patients and their families also benefit
from knowing about the unique features and management
strategies for different heart
rhythm disorders.
Symptoms
Collapse and loss of consciousness are the most common
symptoms of ventricular fibrillation.
Before a ventricular fibrillation episode, you may have
symptoms of an irregularly fast or erratic heartbeat
(arrhythmia). You may have:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Very fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Heart palpitations (where you become unpleasantly aware
of your own heartbeat)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Racing or erratic pulse (including other types of
arrhythmia)
When you lose consciousness because of VFib, you don't
respond when someone touches or speaks to you. You also have
serious problems breathing (gasping for air or not breathing
at all).
Ventricular fibrillation vs. ventricular tachycardia
Both are very serous types of arrhythmia. With ventricular
tachycardia or V-tach, your heart beats quickly but isn't as
irregular as it is with VFib. V-tach can lead to ventricular
fibrillation.
What is ventricular flutter?
Ventricular flutter is an extreme type of ventricular
tachycardia in which your heart beats 150-300 times a
minute. If not treated, it usually becomes ventricular
fibrillation.
Ventricular fibrillation vs. atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, affects the upper chambers of
the heart (atria) rather than the lower ones. It causes a
very fast heartbeat. Blood can pool in your atria and make
them stretch out, but it can still circulate to the rest of
your body. Atrial fibrillation isn't considered a medical
emergency, but it raises your risk for blood clots and
stroke.
Ventricular Fibrillation Causes and Risk Factors
Causes
You get VFib because there's a problem with your heart's
electrical properties or with the blood supply to your heart
muscle.
Doctors don’t always know what causes this. But they do know
some conditions and situations are linked to ventricular
fibrillation. For instance, it happens most often during or
right after a heart attack. That may be because your heart’s
electrical signals become unstable when there's not enough
blood flow.
Ventricular fibrillation is caused by either:
- A problem in the heart's electrical properties
- A disruption of the blood supply to the heart muscle
Ventricular fibrillation
In a typical heart rhythm, electrical
signals travel from the heart's upper
chambers (atria) to the heart's lower
chambers (ventricles), causing the
ventricles to contract and pump blood.
In ventricular fibrillation, rapid,
irregular electrical signals cause the
ventricles to quiver uselessly instead
of pumping blood.
Sometimes, the cause of ventricular fibrillation is
unknown.
To understand more about how ventricular fibrillation
occurs, it may be helpful to know how the heart
typically beats.
The heartbeat
The typical heart has four chambers — two upper chambers
(atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Within the
upper right chamber of the heart (right atrium) is a
group of cells called the sinus node. The sinus node is
the heart's natural pacemaker. It produces the signals
that start each heartbeat.
These electrical signals move across the atria, causing
the heart muscles to squeeze (contract) and pump blood
into the ventricles.
Next, the signals arrive at a cluster of cells called
the atrioventricular (AV) node, where they slow down.
This slight delay allows the ventricles to fill with
blood. When the signals reach the ventricles, the lower
heart chambers contract and pump blood to the lungs or
to the rest of the body.
In a typical heart, this heart signaling process usually
goes smoothly, resulting in a typical resting heart rate
of 60 to 100 beats a minute. But in ventricular
fibrillation, rapid, irregular electrical signals cause
the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of
pumping blood.
Risk factors
Often, people who get
ventricular fibrillation don't have heart disease. But
they may have conditions that put them at risk for heart
disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Other
things that raise your chances of VFib include:
- Weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
- A previous episode of ventricular fibrillation
- Other arrhythmias (abnormal electrical rhythms) or
arrhythmia-causing conditions
- Hypoxemia (low oxygen in your blood)
- A previous heart attack
- Acidosis (too much acid in your body)
- Certain genetic diseases
(present at birth) heart issues like Brugada syndrome
- Certain heart medicines
- An imbalance of electrolytes in
your blood (too much or too little potassium or
magnesium in your blood)
- Very low blood pressure (shock)
- Electrical shock
- Drowning
- Problems with your main artery (aorta)
- Drug misuse, especially with cocaine or methamphetamine
- Serious system-wide infection (sepsis)
- Commotio cordis (the result of getting hit in the chest
with a small, fast-moving object like a baseball or
hockey puck)
Complications
If you don't get treatment for ventricular fibrillation
right away, it can be fatal in a matter of minutes. When
your heart can't pump blood, a condition called cardiac
arrest, your blood pressure falls very quickly.
The longer your body is deprived of blood, the higher
the chances that you'll end up with serious damage to
your kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Depending on
how serious this damage is, it may be reversible or
permanent. You may go into a coma.
Once you recover from VFib, you may have more episodes
in which you pass out or almost pass out. One episode of
ventricular fibrillation increases the risk that you'll
have another one.
Complications of ventricular fibrillation rhythm
include:
- Sudden cardiac arrest and death.
- Coma.
- Brain damage.
- Heart muscle damage.
- Kidney failure.
- Liver failure.
Diagnosis
Ventricular fibrillation is always diagnosed in
an emergency situation. If sudden cardiac death
has occurred, a pulse check will reveal no
pulse.
Tests to diagnose and determine the cause of
ventricular fibrillation include:
-
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This
quick and painless test measures the
electrical activity of the heart. Sticky
patches (electrodes) are placed on the chest
and sometimes the arms and legs. Wires
connect the electrodes to a computer, which
displays the test results. An
electrocardiogram (ECG) can show if the
heart is beating too fast or too slowly. If
you're having an episode of ventricular
fibrillation, the ECG usually
shows a heartbeat of about 300 to 400 beats
a minute.
-
Blood tests. Blood tests can be done to
check for proteins (enzymes) that leak into
the bloodstream when the heart is damaged by
a heart attack.
-
Chest X-ray. This
imaging test lets your doctor see the shape and size of
your heart. It can also show them what your heart's
blood vessels look like.
-
Echocardiogram. This noninvasive test
uses sound waves to create images of the
heart in motion. It can show the heart's
size and structure.
-
Coronary catheterization (angiogram). This
test helps health care providers see
blockages in the heart arteries. A long,
thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted in
a blood vessel, usually in the groin or
wrist, and guided to the heart. Dye flows
through the catheter to arteries in the
heart. The dye helps the arteries show up
more clearly on X-ray images and video.
-
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT). A
computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to
create cross-sectional images of specific
parts of your body.
-
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This
test uses a magnetic field and
computer-generated radio waves to create
detailed images of blood flow in the heart.
Treatment
Ventricular fibrillation requires emergency
medical treatment to prevent sudden cardiac
death. The goal of emergency treatment is to
restore blood flow as quickly as possible to
prevent organ and brain damage.
Emergency treatment for ventricular fibrillation
includes:
-
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) mimics the pumping motion of the
heart. It keeps blood flowing through the body.
- Stay calm and call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Begin CPR: Chest compressions are an essential,
lifesaving step, especially until someone finds and uses
an automated external defibrillator (AED) or until first
responders arrive (whichever happens first).
- Use an AED: Ventricular fibrillation is one of the
“shockable” arrhythmias, meaning an AED can help return
your heart’s rhythm to a normal one. When someone uses
an AED in the first three minutes after a person
collapses because of v-fib, the survival rate of
ventricular fibrillation can be as high as 95%
-
Defibrillation. This treatment is also
called cardioversion. An automated external
defibrillator (AED) delivers shocks through
the chest wall to the heart. It can help
restore a regular heart rhythm. As soon as
an automated external defibrillator (AED) is
available, apply it and follow the prompts.
If you're not trained to use an AED,
a 911 operator or another emergency medical
operator may be able to give you
instructions. Public-use automated external
defibrillators (AEDs) are programmed to
recognize ventricular fibrillation and send
a shock only when needed.
Other treatments for ventricular fibrillation
are given to prevent future episodes and reduce
the risk of arrhythmia-related symptoms.
Treatment for ventricular fibrillation includes
medications, medical devices and surgery. Medications
Drugs to control the heart rhythm (anti-arrhythmics)
are used for emergency or long-term treatment of
ventricular fibrillation. If you're at risk of
ventricular fibrillation or sudden cardiac
death, your provider may prescribe medications
to slow and control your heartbeat.
Surgery or other procedures
Surgery or medical procedures to treat
ventricular fibrillation include:
-
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). An
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
is a battery-powered unit that's implanted
under the skin near the collarbone — similar
to a pacemaker. The ICD continuously
monitors the heart rhythm. If the device
detects an episode of ventricular
fibrillation, it sends shocks to stop it and
reset the heart's rhythm, you may
experience pain or shock.
-
Cardiac ablation. This procedure uses
heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in
the heart to block the irregular heart
signals that cause ventricular fibrillation.
It's most often done using thin, flexible
tubes called catheters inserted through the
veins or arteries. It may also be done
during heart surgery.
-
Coronary angioplasty and stent placement. If
ventricular fibrillation is caused by a
heart attack, this procedure may reduce the
risk of future episodes of ventricular
fibrillation. The health care provider inserts a long,
thin tube (catheter) through an artery,
usually in the groin, to a blocked artery in
the heart. A balloon on the tip of the
catheter briefly inflates to widen the
artery. This restores blood flow to the
heart. A metal mesh stent may be placed into
the artery to help it stay open.
-
Coronary bypass surgery. This open-heart
surgery redirects blood around a section of
a blocked or partially blocked artery in the
heart. It may be done if ventricular
fibrillation is caused by coronary artery
disease. During bypass surgery, the surgeon
takes a healthy blood vessel from the leg,
arm or chest. It's connected below and above
the blocked artery or arteries in the heart.
This creates a new pathway for blood flow.
Emergency Treatment for Ventricular Fibrillation
When ventricular fibrillation happens, quick action is key
to get the heart beating right again. This is to avoid
serious problems. Here are the main steps to handle this
urgent situation:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is the first thing to do when someone collapses from
ventricular fibrillation. It mixes chest presses and breaths
to keep blood flowing to important parts. People trained in
CPR can save lives by starting it right away.
Defibrillation and Electrical Cardioversion
Defibrillation is the best way to treat ventricular
fibrillation. It uses an electrical shock to stop the
heart’s chaotic rhythm and let it start beating normally
again. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are found in
many places and can be used by those who know how.
In hospitals, electrical cardioversion is used to fix the
heart rhythm. This method uses synchronized shocks through
chest pads under sedation.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
ACLS is a set of actions by doctors to handle heart
emergencies like ventricular fibrillation. It includes:
Intervention |
Description |
Airway Management |
Ensuring a patent airway through intubation or other means |
Intravenous Medications |
Administering drugs like epinephrine, amiodarone, or
lidocaine to support circulation and correct arrhythmias |
Advanced Monitoring |
Using ECG, pulse oximetry, and capnography to assess patient
status |
Post-Resuscitation Care |
Providing targeted temperature management and supportive
care to optimize outcomes |
The best chance of survival from ventricular fibrillation
comes from quick action. This means recognizing the problem
fast and starting CPR and defibrillation right away. This is
why it’s so important to know what to do in such
emergencies.
Prevention & Self care
After surviving ventricular fibrillation, patients need
ongoing care. This care helps prevent the condition from
coming back and improves their life quality. A mix of
medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and managing risk
factors is key for the best results.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
ICDs are small devices implanted under the skin. They watch
the heart rhythm and shock it when ventricular fibrillation
is found. ICDs greatly lower the risk of sudden cardiac
death in high-risk patients.
The table below shows survival
rates with and without ICDs:
Patient Group |
1-Year Survival |
5-Year Survival |
With ICD |
98% |
85% |
Without ICD |
90% |
70% |
Medications and Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs
Anti-arrhythmic medications are vital for managing
ventricular fibrillation. These drugs keep the heart rhythm
stable and prevent dangerous arrhythmias.
Common ones
include:
- Amiodarone
- Lidocaine
- Sotalol
- Flecainide
The right medication depends on the patient’s condition and
heart disease. Regular checks and dose changes are needed to
work well and avoid side effects.
Lifestyle Modifications and Risk Factor Management
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is key to preventing
ventricular fibrillation. Important lifestyle changes
include:
- Regular exercise: Doing moderate exercise for 150
minutes a week strengthens the heart and lowers
arrhythmia risk.
- Healthy diet: Eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole
grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps manage
weight, blood pressure, and heart function.
- Stress management: Stress-reduction techniques like
meditation, deep breathing, or yoga help emotional
well-being and reduce arrhythmia risk.
Also, managing risk factors like high blood pressure,
diabetes, and high cholesterol is vital. This is done
through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular health
checks.
Can ventricular fibrillation be
prevented?
Most cases of v-fib start out as another type of ventricular
arrhythmia. If you show symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm
in your lower heart chambers, a provider can monitor your
rhythms. Finding these issues early can help prevent you
from developing ventricular fibrillation.
If someone in your family has a type of arrhythmia that
families can pass down to each other, ask about genetic
testing. Testing people who may be at risk can help them
take steps to prevent dangerous heart rhythms.
Since heart attacks are the top cause of ventricular
fibrillation, preventing a heart attack can prevent v-fib,
as well.
Lifestyle changes that help keep the heart as
healthy as possible include the following:
-
Eat a
heart-healthy diet. Heart-healthy foods
include fruits, vegetables and whole grains,
as well as lean protein sources such as soy,
beans, nuts, fish, skinless poultry and
low-fat dairy products. Avoid added salt
(sodium), added sugars and saturated fats.
-
Exercise. Physical activity helps you
achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Regular exercise helps control diabetes,
high cholesterol and high blood pressure —
all risk factors for heart disease. With
your provider's OK, aim for 30 to 60 minutes
of physical activity most days of the week.
Talk to your health care provider about the
amount and type of exercise that's best for
you.
-
Manage weight. Being overweight
increases the risk of heart disease. Talk
with your care provider to set realistic
goals for body mass index (BMI) and weight.
-
Don't smoke. Smoking is a major risk
factor for heart disease, especially
atherosclerosis. Quitting is the best way to
reduce the risk of heart disease and its
complications. If you need help quitting,
talk to your provider.
-
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol. Get
regular health checkups to monitor blood
pressure and cholesterol. Take medications
as prescribed to manage high blood pressure
or high cholesterol.
-
Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can
damage the heart. If you choose to drink
alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy
adults, that means up to one drink a day for
women and up to two drinks a day for men.
-
Get regular checkups. Take your
medications as prescribed. Have regular
follow-up appointments with your health care
provider. Tell your provider if your
symptoms worsen.
-
Practice good sleep habits. Poor sleep
may increase the risk of heart disease and
other chronic conditions. Adults should aim
to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Kids
often need more. Go to bed and wake at the
same time every day, including on weekends.
If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your
provider about strategies that might help.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The chances of survival from ventricular fibrillation depend
on quick medical help and the patient’s health. Fast CPR and
defibrillation are key to better survival chances. Every
minute without treatment lowers survival
rates by 7-10%. But, with quick and right medical care, survival
rates can go up a lot.
Survivors’ long-term health is shaped by heart muscle
damage, coronary
artery disease, and overall health. Those who get timely
treatment and have no heart problems usually do better.
Those with heart issues face a tougher road to recovery.
Time to Treatment |
Survival Rate |
Within 1 minute |
90-95% |
Within 3 minutes |
70-75% |
Within 5 minutes |
50-55% |
Within 10 minutes |
20-30% |
After treatment, patients need ongoing care to avoid future
problems. This might include an implantable
cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), medicines, and
lifestyle changes. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are
key to keeping track of progress and adjusting treatment
plans.
Ventricular fibrillation is a serious condition, but medical
progress and public awareness have helped improve survival
rates. Ongoing research and education aim to better prevent
and treat this heart emergency.
Advances in Research and Treatment Options
New discoveries are changing how we treat ventricular
fibrillation. Recent studies have led to new therapies.
These aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Targeted Ablation Techniques
Targeted ablation is a new method. It focuses on finding
and stopping the bad electrical paths in the heart. Doctors
use advanced tools to find these areas.
This method is precise. It helps avoid harming the good
heart tissue. It also gets rid of the problem areas.
Wearable Defibrillators and Mobile Devices
Wearable defibrillators and mobile devices are changing
how we manage ventricular fibrillation. These small devices
watch the heart rhythm and shock it when needed. They send
data to doctors in real time.
This lets doctors act fast and tailor care plans. It’s a big
step forward in heart care.
Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine
Stem cell therapy is very promising. It aims to fix
damaged heart tissue. This could help prevent ventricular
fibrillation from happening again.
Studies are looking into how safe and effective it is.
They’re testing it in people who have had serious heart
problems.
As research keeps moving forward, we’re getting closer to
better treatments. These new methods offer hope for better
survival rates and quality of life for those with
ventricular fibrillation.
Coping and support
Some irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can
be triggered by emotional stress. Taking steps
to ease stress and anxiety can help keep the
heart healthy. Getting more exercise, practicing
mindfulness and connecting with others in
support groups are some ways to reduce and
manage stress. If you have anxiety or
depression, talk to your provider about
strategies to help.
Some types of complementary and alternative
therapies may help reduce stress, such as:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Relaxation or mindfulness techniques
Getting support from loved ones may also be
helpful.
Raising Awareness and Educating the Public
Knowing about ventricular fibrillation is key to stopping
sudden cardiac
arrest and saving lives. By learning about its signs,
symptoms, and risks, communities can act fast in
emergencies. This knowledge helps everyone be ready to help
in critical moments.
Teaching CPR and AED use is vital. CPR keeps blood flowing
until help arrives. AEDs can jumpstart a heart back to
normal. Having these tools and knowing how to use them can
save lives.
Living a heart-healthy life is also important. Regular
exercise, a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding
harmful habits can lower heart disease risks. This helps
prevent ventricular fibrillation.
Healthcare, government, and non-profits must work together.
They should create public
education campaigns that reach everyone. These efforts
should include:
- Community outreach programs
- School-based educational sessions
- Workplace training workshops
- Media campaigns using TV, radio, and social media
By creating awareness and readiness, we can help people act
quickly. This can save lives from ventricular fibrillation
and sudden cardiac
arrest.
VFib FAQ's
Q: What is the difference between ventricular
fibrillation and a heart attack?
A: Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart
problem where the heart quivers instead of
pumping blood. This leads to sudden cardiac
arrest. A heart attack happens when blood flow
to the heart is blocked, damaging the heart
muscle. Sometimes, a heart attack can cause
ventricular fibrillation.
Q: Can ventricular fibrillation be prevented?
A: Not all ventricular fibrillation cases can be
prevented. But managing risk factors like coronary
artery disease and heart
failure can lower the risk. A heart-healthy
lifestyle, including exercise and a balanced
diet, can also help.
Q: What should I do if I witness someone experiencing
sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation?
A: If someone collapses and loses consciousness,
call emergency services right away. If you know
CPR, start it. Look for an automated
external defibrillator (AED) and follow its
instructions to deliver a shock.
Q: How effective are implantable cardioverter
defibrillators (ICDs) in managing ventricular
fibrillation?
A: Implantable
cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) work well
to manage ventricular fibrillation. They monitor
the heart and deliver a shock when needed. ICDs
can greatly improve survival chances for those
at high risk.
Q: Are there any long-term complications associated with
ventricular fibrillation?
A: Survivors of ventricular fibrillation may
face long-term issues like brain
damage and heart
failure. Regular check-ups with a
cardiologist and following treatment plans can
help manage these problems.
Q:
How long can you live with ventricular fibrillation?
A:
VFib is fatal within about 3-5 minutes unless someone
resuscitates you.
Q:
What happens when you have ventricular fibrillation?
A:
When you have VFib, the electrical signals in your heart go
haywire. The lower chambers of your heart (ventricles)
quiver instead of pumping like they should. This keeps blood
from being pumped out to the rest of your body.
Q:
What is the range of heart rate for ventricular
fibrillation?
A:
When you have ventricular
fibrillation, the lower chambers of your heart beat over 300
times a minute.
Q:
What is the mortality rate for ventricular fibrillation?
A:
With quick and effective treatment, up to 50% of those with
ventricular fibrillation survive. If you have VFib when
you're not in a hospital, the odds that it can be reversed
go down by 5% to 10% for each minute you wait for
defibrillation.
One Final Note..
You may find it hard to talk about ventricular fibrillation
and sudden cardiac arrest, especially if you continue to
have health issues from them. Your healthcare provider can
give you guidance that can help you better understand your
situation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help
as you focus on living your best life.
Ventricular fibrillation is a fast, irregular heart rhythm
that keeps your heart from pumping blood out to your body.
It's the most common cause of sudden cardiac death. If
someone you're with has symptoms of VFib, call 911 right
away, start CPR, and use a defibrillator if one is
available.
Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart problem that can
be deadly. It needs quick medical help. Knowing the causes,
risks, and signs is key to acting fast. Getting emergency care and using treatments like implantable
devices can help a lot. Making lifestyle changes also
improves life quality for those with this condition. Keeping your heart healthy is important. Regular check-ups
and a healthy lifestyle can prevent ventricular
fibrillation. Working with doctors and staying updated on
new treatments is vital. By spreading the word about ventricular fibrillation, we can
help people protect their hearts. Early action is key to
avoiding serious heart issues. Together, we can improve
heart health and save lives.
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