Defibrillable

Defibrillable refers to a medical condition or a type of cardiac arrest where an electrical shock delivered by a defibrillator can potentially restore a normal heart rhythm. This typically occurs when the heart experiences a rapid, disorganized electrical activity that prevents it from effectively pumping blood. The most common defibrillable rhythms are ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). In these conditions, the chaotic electrical signals overwhelm the heart's natural pacemaker, leading to a loss of consciousness and absence of a pulse.

The administration of a defibrillating shock aims to briefly stop all electrical activity in the heart, creating an opportunity for the heart's natural pacemaker to re-establish a normal, organized rhythm. This intervention is a critical component of advanced cardiac life support and is most effective when delivered promptly. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed for use by laypersons and can identify defibrillable rhythms, providing voice prompts to guide the user through the resuscitation process. Medical professionals use manual defibrillators, which offer more control and versatility. The presence of a defibrillable rhythm is a key factor in determining the appropriate treatment for cardiac arrest.