Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a cardiac condition that is a life-threatening arrhythmic, that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest if not hastily recognised and appropriately treated. As healthcare professionals it is important to understand the pathophysiology, know the signs and symptoms and implement effective treatment. This article aims to provide all the crucial information about ventricular fibrillation to enhance knowledge and preparedness if this condition is ever encountered.
Pathophysiology:
Ventricular fibrillation occurs when the electric signals in the heart become hectic. The heart typically pumps in coordination, first the blood is pumped from the atrial chambers and then the ventricles pump the blood to the body, when a patient is suffering from VF, the ventricles are quivering, preventing efficient blood flow. During ventricular fibrillation, blood flow is severely compromised and in extreme circumstances can lead to a complete loss of cardiac output. If ventricular fibrillation is not promptly recognised, the disruption in blood flow can lead to a lack of oxygen supply to vital organs and cardiac arrest.
Signs and Symptoms: The signs and symptoms that a patient may experience during VF are:
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Palpitations
- Chest pressure
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting spells
- Fatigue
- Cyanosis
Visualising what will be seen on an ECG during ventricular fibrillation, it can be expected to see irregular and chaotic waveforms with no P-waves and no discernible QRS complexes. The P-wave represents atrial depolarisation, but the chaotic activity of the ventricles overshadows the activity of the atria and as a result, doesn’t show on an ECG. The QRS represents ventricular depolarization, in VF instead of the ventricles effectively contracting they are quivering, consequently, showing unidentifiable QRS complexes. In short, what will be represented on an ECG are chaotic and disorganised waveforms.
Treatment: Promptly, treatment is required to reduce the serious repercussions that a serious condition such as VF can have on a patient. The primary treatment for VF is defibrillation, an Automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator can be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. Additionally, anti-arrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone can be used on patients with sustained VT; a drug such as amiodarone prolongs the duration of action potential, it slows down overactive electric signals in the heart, which in turn helps stabilise the rhythm.
Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia that requires immediate medical attention and intervention. For all medical professionals, including students, it is an important condition to get familiar with. By understanding the pathophysiology, recognising the signs and symptoms and staying
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