Summary about Disease
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is a life-threatening heart rhythm problem that occurs when the ventricles (the heart's lower chambers) quiver instead of contracting normally. This chaotic electrical activity prevents the heart from pumping blood, leading to cardiac arrest. It requires immediate medical intervention to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Symptoms
Sudden collapse
Loss of consciousness
No pulse
No breathing
Causes
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium, magnesium)
Prolonged QT interval
Inherited heart conditions (e.g., Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome)
Electrical shock
Drug overdose
Severe trauma
Medicine Used
Epinephrine: Used during cardiac arrest to stimulate the heart.
Amiodarone/Lidocaine: Anti-arrhythmic drugs used to stabilize the heart rhythm.
Magnesium Sulfate: Used to correct magnesium deficiency, which can contribute to V-fib.
Post-resuscitation, medications to manage underlying heart conditions or prevent recurrence may be prescribed, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or other anti-arrhythmic drugs.
Is Communicable
No, ventricular fibrillation is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Manage underlying heart conditions (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure).
Maintain a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, weight management).
Avoid smoking.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Be aware of family history of heart rhythm problems.
Follow prescribed medication regimens for heart conditions.
Consider an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if at high risk.
How long does an outbreak last?
Ventricular fibrillation is not an "outbreak" situation like an infectious disease. It is an acute, life-threatening event. It lasts until either the heart rhythm is restored through medical intervention (defibrillation) or the patient dies. If the person survives the event and receives an ICD, the ICD can terminate future v-fib events.
How is it diagnosed?
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Shows the characteristic chaotic electrical pattern of ventricular fibrillation.
The diagnosis is made during the event when there is pulselessness and loss of consciousness.
Post-event, tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause, such as:
Echocardiogram
Blood tests (electrolytes, cardiac enzymes)
Coronary angiography
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of ventricular fibrillation is sudden and immediate:
0 seconds: Onset of abnormal heart rhythm
Within seconds: Loss of consciousness
Within seconds: No pulse, no breathing
Within minutes: Brain damage and death if not treated.
Important Considerations
Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are crucial for survival.
Early access to emergency medical services is vital.
The underlying cause of ventricular fibrillation needs to be identified and addressed to prevent recurrence.
Individuals at high risk may benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).