Vfib

Ventricular fibrillation, often abbreviated as VFib or V-fib, is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by disorganized electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart. Instead of a coordinated contraction that pumps blood effectively, the ventricular muscle fibers quiver chaotically. This chaotic electrical activity prevents the heart from generating a pulse, leading to a sudden loss of consciousness and cessation of breathing.

VFib is a common cause of sudden cardiac arrest. The disorganized electrical impulses originate from multiple sites within the ventricles, overriding the normal pacemaker of the heart, the sinoatrial node. This rapid and irregular electrical activity means that individual muscle cells in the ventricles contract independently and asynchronously, resulting in ineffective pumping.

The primary treatment for VFib is immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. Defibrillation involves delivering an electrical shock to the heart, which aims to reset the electrical activity and allow the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control. The promptness of intervention is critical, as survival rates decrease significantly with each passing minute without effective treatment. Causes of VFib can include acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), severe electrolyte imbalances, and inherited cardiac conditions. Early recognition and intervention are paramount for improving patient outcomes.