Definition
The ventricles are the large lower chamber of the heart. They are responsible for moving blood to the organs and tissues of the body. In ventricular fibrillation, the heart’s ventricles contract in a rapid and chaotic manner. As a result, little or no blood is pumped from the heart. Unless medical help is provided immediately, ventricular fibrillation will lead to cardiovascular collapse and sudden death.
Treatment
Ventricular fibrillation must be treated as an extreme emergency and treatment must be administered within 4-6 minutes.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR
, which begins with giving chest compressions, is a temporary procedure that can help maintain some blood flow to the brain, heart, and other vital organs until trained medical personnel are available to provide more advanced treatment.
Defibrillation
In defibrillation, an electronic device is used to give an electric shock to the heart. The electric shock helps to re-establish the normal contraction rhythms of the heart. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable defibrillation device. Most ambulances carry AEDs. They are also frequently found in many public places, such as sports complexes.
Defibrillation should be done as soon as equipment is available.
Anti-arrhythmic Drugs
Anti-arrhythmic drugs, such as
amiodarone
,
lidocaine
, and
procainamide
, may be given intravenously with continued resuscitation attempts when a person continues to fibrillate.
If the heart’s rhythm is stabilized by defibrillation, anti-arrhythmic drugs can be given to maintain the heart’s rhythm.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be surgically placed in the chest to help prevent ventricular fibrillation. An ICD continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm. If it detects an abnormal beat, it automatically sends electrical impulses to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
If you are diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation, follow your doctor's
instructions
.
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting ventricular fibrillation, take the following steps:
-
Lower your risk of CAD:
- Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.
-
Avoid or limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that may contribute to
arrhythmias
or heart disease.
- Avoid unnecessary stress, and try to manage or control stressful situations that cannot be avoided.
- If you have a family history of this condition, see your doctor. He can evaluate your risk.
If a person is at high risk of ventricular fibrillation, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be surgically placed in the chest to help stop ventricular fibrillation. In addition, anti-arrhythmic drugs may be given to try to prevent a future episode.