-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Ventricular Fibrillation and Heart Rate
Introduction
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia in which the ventricles of the heart quiver rather than contract properly. This leads to inadequate blood circulation and, if not treated promptly, can result in sudden cardiac arrest and death.
What Happens to Heart Rate in VF?
In VF, the heart rate becomes extremely rapid and chaotic. Unlike normal heartbeats, which follow an organized electrical pattern, VF causes the heart's electrical impulses to become disordered, leading to: - Extreme tachycardia: The ventricular rate can reach 300–500 beats per minute. - Lack of effective contractions: Despite the rapid electrical activity, the heart does not pump blood effectively. - Immediate loss of consciousness: Since blood flow to the brain stops, a person with VF collapses within seconds.
Causes of Ventricular Fibrillation
VF is often triggered by: - Previous heart attacks (myocardial infarction) - Cardiomyopathy or heart failure - Electrical abnormalities (e.g., Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome) - Severe electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium levels) - Drug toxicity (certain antiarrhythmics, stimulants like cocaine)
Treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation
- Immediate defibrillation: The most effective treatment is an electrical shock (defibrillation) to reset the heart's rhythm.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Until defibrillation is available, high-quality chest compressions help maintain minimal blood flow to the brain and organs.
- Antiarrhythmic medications: Drugs like amiodarone or lidocaine may help stabilize the rhythm after VF is treated.
- Identifying and treating underlying causes: Long-term prevention may involve an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or medications to prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
VF is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. If you witness someone collapse and suspect VF, call emergency medical services, start CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-guidelines-for-cpr-and-ecc
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081530/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Advanced Life Support
- https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773825/
- https://cprguidelines.eu/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957215003287
- https://www.erc.edu/
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.