Ventricular fibrillation overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Ventricular fibrillation''' ('''V-fib''' or '''VF''') is a condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the [[cardiac muscle]] of the [[ventricle (heart)|ventricle]]s in the [[heart]], making them quiver rather than contract properly. As a result the heart fails to adequately pump blood and [[hypoxia]] will occur followed by unconsciousness within 20 - 30 seconds. Ventricular fibrillation is the most commonly identified [[arrythmia]] in [[cardiac arrest]] patients.<ref name="medscape">{{cite web|url=http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/158712-overview|title=Ventricular Fibrillation|publisher=Medscape|author=Michael E Zevitz, MD|accessdate=2011-08-17}}</ref> While there is some activity, the lay person is usually unable to detect it by palpating (feeling) the major pulse points of the carotid and femoral arteries. Such an [[arrhythmia]] is only confirmed by [[electrocardiography]]. Ventricular fibrillation is a [[medical emergency]] that requires prompt [[Basic Life Support]] interventions. If this [[arrhythmia]] continues for more than a few seconds, it will likely degenerate further into [[asystole]] ("flat line"). This condition results in [[cardiogenic shock]] and cessation of effective blood [[Circulation (physiology)|circulation]]. As a consequence, [[Sudden Cardiac Death|sudden cardiac death (SCD)]] will result in a matter of minutes. If the patient is not revived after a sufficient period (within roughly 5 minutes at room temperature), the patient could sustain irreversible brain damage and possibly become brain dead due to the effects of cerebral [[Hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]]. On the other hand, death often occurs if normal [[sinus rhythm]] is not restored within 90 seconds of the onset of VF, especially if it has degenerated further into [[asystole]]. | |||
'''Ventricular fibrillation''' ('''V-fib''' or '''VF''') is a condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the [[cardiac muscle]] of the [[ventricle (heart)|ventricle]]s in the [[heart]], making them quiver rather than contract properly. As a result the heart fails to adequately pump blood and [[hypoxia]] will occur followed by unconsciousness within 20 - 30 seconds. Ventricular fibrillation is the most commonly identified arrythmia in cardiac arrest patients.<ref name="medscape">{{cite web|url=http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/158712-overview|title=Ventricular Fibrillation|publisher=Medscape|author=Michael E Zevitz, MD|accessdate=2011-08-17}}</ref> While there is some activity, the lay person is usually unable to detect it by palpating (feeling) the major pulse points of the carotid and femoral arteries. Such an arrhythmia is only confirmed by [[electrocardiography]]. Ventricular fibrillation is a [[medical emergency]] that requires prompt [[Basic Life Support]] interventions. If this [[arrhythmia]] continues for more than a few seconds, it will likely degenerate further into [[asystole]] (" | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | |||
[[Category:Up-To-Date cardiology]] | |||
[[Category:Up-To-Date]] | |||
[[Category:Electrophysiology]] | |||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | |||
[[Category:Intensive care medicine]] | |||
[[Category:Causes of death]] | |||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
Revision as of 18:42, 16 January 2013
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Ventricular fibrillation Microchapters |
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Differentiating Ventricular Fibrillation from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Ventricular fibrillation overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Ventricular fibrillation overview |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Ventricular fibrillation overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles in the heart, making them quiver rather than contract properly. As a result the heart fails to adequately pump blood and hypoxia will occur followed by unconsciousness within 20 - 30 seconds. Ventricular fibrillation is the most commonly identified arrythmia in cardiac arrest patients.[1] While there is some activity, the lay person is usually unable to detect it by palpating (feeling) the major pulse points of the carotid and femoral arteries. Such an arrhythmia is only confirmed by electrocardiography. Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency that requires prompt Basic Life Support interventions. If this arrhythmia continues for more than a few seconds, it will likely degenerate further into asystole ("flat line"). This condition results in cardiogenic shock and cessation of effective blood circulation. As a consequence, sudden cardiac death (SCD) will result in a matter of minutes. If the patient is not revived after a sufficient period (within roughly 5 minutes at room temperature), the patient could sustain irreversible brain damage and possibly become brain dead due to the effects of cerebral hypoxia. On the other hand, death often occurs if normal sinus rhythm is not restored within 90 seconds of the onset of VF, especially if it has degenerated further into asystole.
References
- ↑ Michael E Zevitz, MD. "Ventricular Fibrillation". Medscape. Retrieved 2011-08-17.