Ventricular fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a disorganized electrical rhythm in which the heart’s ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. It causes cardiac arrest unless circulation is restored promptly.

Cardiac conduction system: The network of specialized heart cells that generates and conducts electrical impulses coordinating heartbeats. Its normal signaling is disrupted when ventricular fibrillation replaces coordinated contraction.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Emergency chest compressions, often combined with rescue breaths, used to maintain circulation during cardiac arrest. CPR supplies partial blood flow while definitive treatment for fibrillation is prepared.
Ventricular tachycardia: A rapid rhythm originating in the ventricles, which may occur with or without a pulse. It can deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation but may retain organized electrical activity.
Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually caused by atherosclerotic plaque. It can cause ischemia or infarction that triggers ventricular fibrillation.
Cerebral hypoxia: Inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain, which can cause injury or loss of function. Absent circulation during fibrillation rapidly deprives the brain of oxygen.
Reentry (cardiac arrhythmia): A cardiac electrical circuit in which an impulse repeatedly circulates through excitable tissue. Reentrant wavefronts can sustain the rapid, disorganized activation seen in ventricular fibrillation.
Automated external defibrillator: A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and can deliver a shock for shockable cardiac arrest rhythms. An AED can identify ventricular fibrillation and guide a bystander through defibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation: A disorganized atrial rhythm that produces an irregular heartbeat and raises stroke risk. It also involves fibrillating heart tissue, but usually does not immediately stop circulation.
Myocardial infarction: Heart muscle injury caused by a prolonged interruption of its blood supply. Acute infarction can create electrical instability that leads to ventricular fibrillation.
Post-cardiac arrest syndrome: A combination of brain injury, heart dysfunction, and systemic effects after return of spontaneous circulation. Survival after fibrillation may be followed by organ injury despite restored circulation.

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