Ventricular Fibrillation Symptoms

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a condition wherein the heart rate increases abnormally. The heartbeat is in an uncoordinated way followed by ineffective contraction of ventricles. The cardiac muscles in the ventricles of the heart start beating rapidly making them quiver rather than contract smoothly. This abnormality occurs in the lower chambers of heart (ventricles) and blood cannot be removed from the heart by the coronary pumping mechanism. This abnormal heart rhythm is also known as arrhythmia which cannot be detected by normal palpitation. When ventricular fibrillation symptoms are diagnosed, it is a case of medical emergency and can be life-threatening. Read on for details.

Causes of Ventricular Fibrillation

The underlying causes behind this rapid increase in heartbeat is indeed a matter of serious concern. It can result from sudden cardiac arrest or cardiac death. An unexpected arrhythmia leads to ventricular fibrillation. One of the causes can also be ischaemic heart disease. Take a quick look on the causes of ventricular fibrillation.

• Heart attack
• Electrocution
• Drowning
• Heart muscle disorder
• Cardiogenic shock
• Cardiac arrest
• Reduced consciousness level
• Congenital heart disease
• Cardiomyopathies
• Heart surgery
• Ischemia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Brugada syndrome
• Torsade de pointes
• Hypothermia
• Unstable angina

Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation

The initial symptoms of ventricular fibrillation are chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat and nausea. It causes unconsciousness within no time preceded by seizures. When untreated, it leads to irreversible brain damage with minutes. This is the last stage and the brain is devoid of oxygen supple that finally leads to death. Cardiac arrest occurs when the person suddenly collapses. His skin turns completely pale and the pupils dilate. The pulse is undetectable. Heartbeat and blood pressure becomes zero. Cardiac arrest results from ventricular fibrillation if initial stages are neglected.

Apart from these symptoms, there can be body disorders which are often neglected and remain undiagnosed. These include high cholesterol, undiagnosed heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Sometimes undiagnosed hemochromatosis or metabolic syndrome also lead to ventricular fibrillation. You can get some more information about sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis of Ventricular Fibrillation

The symptoms need to be diagnosed immediately to prevent fatality. It is confirmed by electrocardiography (ECG). In case of medical emergency, the patient is under the control of Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). It is provided only by qualified practitioners and only under threatening emergencies. If the arrhythmia continues further the ECG will show a flat curve without rhythm that doesn't response to any therapy. However, there's hopes against hopes if a fine residual VF rhythm remains in the graph that can be treated right way. Death occurs immediately if normal sinus rhythm fails to be restored within 90 seconds of ventricular fibrillation attack.

Treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation

The symptoms can be checked with the help of electric defibrillator or an implantable electric defibrillator. The electric discharge or direct current form defibrillator reverses the effect of ventricular fibrillation. Precordial thump is delivered if defibrillator is unavailable. It helps to regain cardiac function by releasing energy. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started within few minutes of ventricular fibrillation. CPR includes artificial ventilation and closed chest cardiac massage to restore normal heartbeat. The prescribed drugs to tone down arrhythmia are Amiodarone, Pacerone, Cordarone, Braxan and Bretylium. Other effective drugs include Alti-Amiodarone, Novo-Amiodarone, Gen-Amiodarone, Rhoxal-amiodarone. Doctors usually carry on treatments with these drugs. It's strictly advised not to consume any of these drugs unless specified by doctors.

Ventricular fibrillation symptoms involve serious complications though not always fatal. Survivors can slip to coma, or suffer from nerve problems or even reduced mental perception. Ventricular fibrillation demands immediate attention to prevent fatality.