by jeanne abayie
Ventricular fibrillation is called V-fib for short. This life threatening condition is the most serious cardiac rhythm disturbance. It is a severe form of arrhythmia. The lower chambers of the heart ( ventricles ) quiver with no useful contractions. Therefore the heart can't pump any blood and this causes cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation needs immediate medical attention.
CAUSES
The heart pumps blood to the lungs, brain and other parts of the body. Interruption of heart beat for a few seconds can lead to fainting or cardiac arrest. Fibrillation is uncontrolled quivering of the heart muscles ( fibrils). When this occurs in the lower chamber of the heart, it is called ventricular fibrillation.
During ventricular fibrillation, the heart's lower chambers contract in a rapid, unsynchronized way. The ventricles flatter and the heart pumps little to no blood. Sudden cardiac death follows.
The cause of this condition is not always known. However the most common cause is a heart attack. VF may occur when the heart muscles don't get enough oxygen. Other conditions that can lead to VF include the following:
- heart injury
- congenital heart defect
- heart surgery
- narrowed coronary arteries
- heart muscle disease
- electrocution accidents
Most people who get ventricular fibrillation have no heart disease history but often have risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. If you've had VF before, you are more likely to get it again.
SYMPTOMS
Lost of consciousness or collapse are usually the most common signs of ventricular fibrillation. Other symptoms that may be experienced earlier include
- chest pain
- rapid heart beat
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
TEST AND DIAGNOSIS
Ventricular fibrillation is usually diagnosed after it happens. It is not likely to be diagnosed during a routine medical exam.
The doctor will monitor your heart beat and check your pulse. The doctor will do additional tests to find out the cause of your V - fib. These include
- Blood test
- Electrocardiogram
- Imaging tests such as chest x-ray, cardiac MRI, CT scan and echocardiogram
- Coronary catheterization (angiogram)
- TREATMENT
Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is needed to save the person's life. If a person has v fib episode at home, call an emergency number such as 911. While waiting for help, you needs to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help restore blood flow to the rest of the body. Continue to do CPR until help arrives or person becomes alert.
Defibrillation may also be done to restore the heartbeat to a normal rhythm. This should be done immediately. It delivers quick electric shock to the chest using a defibrillator. This can be done by an emergency personnel or by stander using a public defibrillator. Most public places now have this machine.
Treatment may also be given to prevent future episodes. These include
- medications to control heart beat and function
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be implanted in the chest for people at risk for VF. It quickly sends an electrical shock when ventricular fibrillation occurs and prevents sudden cardiac death
- coronary angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow
- ventricular tachycardia ablation to destroy tissue that blocks the electrical signal that travels through your heart to make it beat
- coronary bypass surgery to improve blood supply to the heart
PREVENTION
Adapting healthy lifestyle change can reduce your risk for v fib.
Quit smoking
Stay active
Eat heart healthy diet
Control high blood pressure
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage cholesterol