fibrillatsioon

Fibrillatsioon is a medical term that describes a rapid, irregular, and often asymptomatic contraction of muscle fibers. While it can occur in various muscles, it is most commonly associated with the heart. In the context of the heart, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most prevalent type, where the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, beat chaotically and ineffectively instead of beating in a coordinated rhythm. This irregularity can lead to a wide range of heart rates, sometimes exceeding 100 beats per minute, and can cause blood clots to form in the atria, increasing the risk of stroke.

Other forms of fibrillatsioon include ventricular fibrillation (VFib), a life-threatening condition where the ventricles, the heart's lower chambers, quiver erratically. This prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately with defibrillation. Fibrillatsioon can also affect other muscles, such as those in the diaphragm or limbs, though these instances are less common and usually related to specific neurological conditions or muscle injuries. Diagnosis typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to analyze the electrical activity of the heart or electromyography (EMG) for other muscles. Treatment strategies vary depending on the location and severity of the fibrillatsioon and may include medications, electrical cardioversion, or surgical interventions.