fibrillates

Fibrillates is a term used to describe a state of disorganized and often rapid electrical activity within a muscle, most commonly the heart. When a muscle fibrillates, its individual fibers contract independently and erratically, rather than in a coordinated, synchronized manner. This chaotic electrical signaling prevents the muscle from performing its normal function effectively.

In the context of the heart, atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation are critical medical conditions. Atrial fibrillation involves the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, beating irregularly and rapidly. While this can lead to symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath, it is often not immediately life-threatening. Ventricular fibrillation, however, is a much more serious emergency. It involves the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles, quivering ineffectively instead of pumping blood. This lack of coordinated pumping causes a sudden loss of consciousness and requires immediate medical intervention, typically defibrillation, to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Fibrillation can also occur in other muscles, although it is less commonly discussed in clinical contexts. For example, skeletal muscle fibrillation can be caused by nerve damage or certain neurological conditions, leading to involuntary twitching or fasciculations. The underlying cause of fibrillation dictates the treatment and prognosis.