Fibrillating

Fibrillating refers to a state of uncoordinated, rapid, and irregular muscular contractions, most commonly associated with the heart. When a heart muscle fibrillates, its individual fibers contract chaotically rather than in a synchronized rhythm. This leads to an inefficient pumping action, where blood is not circulated effectively throughout the body.

The most well-known types of cardiac fibrillation are atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation occurs in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) and can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of stroke. Ventricular fibrillation is a more life-threatening condition affecting the lower chambers (the ventricles). It results in a complete loss of effective blood circulation and requires immediate medical intervention, typically defibrillation, to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Beyond the heart, the term fibrillating can also be used to describe the disordered contraction of other muscle tissues, though this is less common. For instance, skeletal muscles can sometimes exhibit fine, rapid tremors that might be described as fibrillary. However, the primary and most critical context for fibrillation is cardiac. Understanding the mechanism of fibrillation is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions that compromise cardiovascular function.