Fibrillationrelated

Fibrillation-related refers to medical conditions and phenomena associated with fibrillation, a pattern of rapid, irregular electrical activity in the heart that disrupts coordinated contractions. In humans, fibrillation can occur in the atria (atrial fibrillation) or the ventricles (ventricular fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia; ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening rhythm that causes cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.

Pathophysiology: AF arises from multiple rapid atrial foci and reentrant circuits, causing loss of effective atrial contraction and an irregular, often rapid ventricular response. VF results from chaotic, disorganized ventricular electrical activity, producing no effective cardiac output.

Clinical features and diagnosis: AF often presents with palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, or may be asymptomatic; VF causes sudden collapse and loss of pulse. Diagnosis is primarily with electrocardiography. For AF, assessment includes stroke risk stratification (CHA2DS2-VASc) and evaluation of reversible contributors; imaging may assess cardiac structure and function.

Management: AF treatment aims to control heart rate, restore or maintain rhythm when appropriate, and prevent stroke with anticoagulation. Rate control uses beta-blockers or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers; rhythm control uses antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion; stroke prevention relies on anticoagulants such as DOACs or warfarin. VF management requires immediate defibrillation, high-quality CPR, and advanced life support; subsequent care focuses on treating the underlying cause and preventing recurrence with devices or medications as indicated.

Prevention, risk factors, and prognosis: Hypertension, coronary disease, heart failure, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, and alcohol use increase fibrillation risk. AF increases stroke and heart failure risk and reduces quality of life; VF is rapidly fatal without prompt treatment but outcomes improve with quick defibrillation and resuscitation. The term fibrillation-related is used in medical literature to describe conditions linked to fibrillation phenomena.