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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 (VF) and Heart Rate
Introduction
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder where the ventricles quiver instead of contracting properly. This prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.
How Does VF Affect Heart Rate?
- VF leads to a chaotic and uncoordinated electrical activity in the ventricles.
- Instead of a regular heart rate, the heart experiences disorganized contractions , making the pulse undetectable.
- Because of this, the effective heart rate in VF is practically zero , as no meaningful blood circulation occurs.
What Causes VF?
VF commonly results from: - Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Most cases of VF are triggered by myocardial infarction (heart attack). - Electrolyte imbalances – Low or high levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disrupt electrical activity. - Severe heart failure – Poor heart function increases arrhythmia risk. - Congenital heart defects – Some people are born with a predisposition to arrhythmias. - Electrocution or trauma – Direct damage to the heart can induce VF.
How is VF Treated?
VF is a medical emergency that requires immediate action : 1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – CPR maintains blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain. 2. Defibrillation (Electric Shock) – An automated external defibrillator (AED) or a medical defibrillator can reset the heart’s rhythm. 3. Medications – Epinephrine and antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone may be used to restore normal electrical activity. 4. Long-term Prevention : - Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in high-risk patients. - Lifestyle modifications , including control of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
Summary
VF is a dangerous, disorganized electrical activity in the heart that leads to loss of circulation. It requires immediate CPR and defibrillation for survival. Understanding the causes and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of VF-related sudden cardiac arrest.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Ventricular Fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/ventricular-fibrillation
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29191938/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.117.030437
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
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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!
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