Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) is a severe cardiac rhythm disturbance where the ventricles (the heart's lower chambers) quiver ineffectively instead of contracting normally. This leads to an abrupt cessation of effective blood circulation, making VFib a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Causes of Ventricular Fibrillation:

  1. Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attacks: The most common cause of VFib is a heart attack (myocardial infarction), often due to underlying coronary artery disease.

  2. Cardiomyopathy: Conditions that weaken or change the structure of the heart muscle, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy.

  3. Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood.

  4. Medications or Drugs: Certain medications or illicit drugs, particularly those affecting the heart's electrical system.

  5. Severe Physical Stress: Conditions like severe infections, significant blood loss, or extreme low oxygen levels (hypoxia).

  6. Electrical Shock: Accidental electrical shocks can sometimes trigger VFib.

  7. Inherited Heart Rhythm Disorders: Some genetic conditions predispose individuals to VFib.

Treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation:

Immediate treatment is crucial for survival and to minimize the risk of brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

  1. Emergency Response:
    • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Immediate CPR is essential to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until further treatment can be administered.

    • Defibrillation: The most critical intervention in VFib is delivering an electrical shock through a defibrillator. This aims to reset the heart's electrical activity and restore a normal rhythm.

  2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS):
    • After initial defibrillation, if VFib persists, emergency medical responders may administer intravenous medications like epinephrine or amiodarone as part of ACLS protocols.

  3. Post-Resuscitation Care:
    • Once VFib is controlled and the patient is stabilized, intensive medical care is required to treat the underlying cause, support vital functions, and prevent recurrence.

    • Investigations like coronary angiography may be needed to identify and treat coronary artery blockages.

  4. Preventive Measures for High-Risk Patients:
    • Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): For patients at high risk for recurrent VFib, an ICD may be recommended. This device monitors the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if a life-threatening arrhythmia is detected.

    • Medication: Depending on the underlying cause, medications may be prescribed to manage heart conditions and prevent future episodes.

  5. Lifestyle Changes and Risk Factor Management:
    • Controlling risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity, is crucial.

Due to its immediate life-threatening nature, VFib requires rapid intervention, typically starting with emergency bystander CPR and defibrillation. Subsequent treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and preventing recurrence. Collaboration with a healthcare team specializing in cardiology is essential for long-term management and monitoring.