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Ventricular Fibrillation Symptoms

Ventricular fibrillation is a potentially life-threatening abnormality in the rhythm of the heart. Even a brief aberration in the normal heartbeat can cause fainting or, even worse, cardiac arrest. Any uncontrolled quivering or twitching of muscle is known as fibrillation, and when such activity occurs in the two lower chambers of the heart---known as ventricles---ventricular fibrillation is the result. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate expert intervention, according to the American Heart Association.

  1. Symptoms of Actual Attack

    • An actual attack of ventricular fibrillation has only one significant symptom, and that is the sudden loss of consciousness. Because this disturbance in normal heart activity stops the flow of blood to the rest of the body, including, most significantly, the brain, unconsciousness quickly follows the onset of this form of arrhythmia.

    Warning Signs

    • The signs that ventricular fibrillation may be imminent are similar to the symptoms for other conditions and illnesses but are significant enough to trigger a call for help when observed in combination with one another. Such signals, according to MedlinePlus, include dyspnea (shortness of breath), dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat and nausea.

    Causes

    • The most common triggering mechanism of ventricular fibrillation is a heart attack, the symptoms of which are almost identical to the warning signs for this abnormality in heartbeat. Other causes include cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle; congenital heart disease; electrocution; cardiac surgery; and ischemia, an interruption in the flow of oxygen to the heart muscle caused by shock or a narrowing of the coronary arteries.

    Risk Factors

    • MedlinePlus says that most victims of ventricular fibrillation have no history of heart disease but are very likely to be candidates for cardiovascular problems either because of lifestyle choices or preexisting health problems. Those at high risk include smokers and those who have been diagnosed with diabetes and/or high blood pressure.

    Treatment and Outlook

    • If you suspect that a family member, coworker or friend is suffering from ventricular fibrillation, you should call for help immediately. If you or someone on the scene knows how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), this is the next order of business as soon as emergency medical help has been summoned.

      The survival statistics for those who suffer ventricular fibrillation outside a hospital setting are very grim indeed, indicating that less than 25 percent of all victims survive. Those who do survive may suffer such serious complications as damage to the nervous system, similar to that experienced by stroke victims, and impaired mental function. The key to both survival and minimization of possible complications is to reduce to an absolute minimum the time that the victim's brain is deprived of oxygen. CPR and quick emergency response are therefore vital.

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