Ventricular fibrillation

Description

A life-threatening irregular heartbeat in which the heart beats in a very fast and uncoordinated way.

Overview

Ventricular fibrillation, or VFib, is a medical emergency. During VFib, the lower heart chambers squeeze very fast and erratically. The heart can't send blood to the rest of the body. Ventricular fibrillation is sometimes triggered by a heart attack. VFib is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of ventricular fibrillation are sudden collapse similar to fainting. There is no pulse or breathing. The person is not conscious. Before VFib happens there may be warning symptoms such as chest pain, fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.

Treatments

Emergency treatment includes CPR and electric shocks to the heart with a device called a defibrillator. Long-term treatment includes medicines and an implantable device that constantly checks the heartbeat and sends shocks when VFib occurs. Other treatments depend on the cause. They may include a heart procedure or heart surgery.