Ventricular fibrillation. QBANK SESSION. CLINICAL SCIENCES. LEARNED. Summary. FEEDBACK. Etiology

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Ventricular fibrillation

(Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular flutter)

Last updated: Dec 13, 2019

QBANK SESSION

CLINICAL SCIENCES

LEARNED

Summary

Ventricular fibrillation (" VF" or " V-fib" ) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by disorganized, high-frequency ventricular contractions that result in diminished cardiac output and hemodynamic collapse. V-fib usually begins with ventricular tachycardia and appears as a very irregular rhythm with indiscernible P waves or QRS complexes on ECG. The most common underlying condition is coronary artery disease, but V-fib may also be caused by other cardiovascular diseases or external factors (e. g., drugs, electricity). V-fib is frequently preceded by ventricular flutter (“V-flut”), which features very rapid sinusoidal QRS complexes that can not be distinguished from T waves. Some patients with V-fib may present with early signs, including chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness. However, V-fib usually causes sudden hemodynamic instability that results in loss of consciousness and, ultimately, sudden cardiac death. Therefore, immediate defibrillation and resuscitation are vital for survival.

FEEDBACK

Etiology

· Underlying cardiovascular disease

o Most common: coronary artery disease (CAD)

o Others: previous myocardial infarction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, severe congestive heart failure, heart valve disease

· Congenital heart defects (e. g., pulmonary atresia)

· Electrophysiologic disorders

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