Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib): Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

• Definition: Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a severe cardiac arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood.
• Life Threat: It is the most common deadly arrhythmia, leading to cardiac arrest and requiring immediate emergency care.
• Immediate Action: Call 911 for emergencies.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

• Chest pain (angina).
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Nausea.
• Racing or erratic pulse.
• Heart palpitations.
• Shortness of breath.
• Collapse with little or no warning.

Causes

• Heart attack or ischemia.
• Heart conditions altering heart structure (e.g., cardiomyopathy).
• Congenital heart issues (e.g., Brugada syndrome).
• Heart surgery and certain medications.
• Drug use (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine).
• Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium).
• Electrical shocks or commotio cordis.

Risk Factors

• Coronary artery disease.
• Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen).
• Electrolyte abnormalities.
• Acidosis (high body acid levels).

Diagnosis and Tests

• Diagnosis: Confirmed via electrocardiogram (EKG).
• Tests: Medical history, physical exam, blood tests, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, coronary angiogram, cardiac catheterization.

Management and Treatment

Emergency Treatment

• Steps: Call emergency services, begin CPR, use an AED.
• Survival: AED usage within 3 minutes can increase survival rates to 95%.

Follow-up Treatment

• Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Devices: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
• Procedures: Ablation or cardiac sympathetic denervation.

Complications of Treatment

• Side effects from antiarrhythmics.
• Pain or shock from ICD firing.

Prevention

• Monitor heart rhythms to prevent ventricular arrhythmias.
• Genetic testing for hereditary arrhythmias.
• Lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks:
  • Diet: Heart-healthy foods.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity.
  • Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes.
  • Stress management.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

Outlook / Prognosis

• Survival: Quick treatment is crucial, survival decreases 7%-10% per minute without treatment.
• Defibrillation: Works on 30% of heart failure cases.
• Heart Failure: Often fatal even after successful defibrillation.

Additional Common Questions

V-Fib vs. Heart Attack

• V-fib: Abnormal heart rhythm.
• Heart attack: Blood vessel blockage, can cause V-fib.

V-Fib vs. Ventricular Tachycardia

• Ventricular tachycardia: Fast but orderly beating.
• V-fib: Disordered beating process.
• Both can lead to collapse and require defibrillation.

Note from Cleveland Clinic

• Discussing v-fib can be challenging; healthcare providers offer guidance and answers.
• Cleveland Clinic provides personalized care for arrhythmias.

Resources

• For further information on treatments and appointments, visit the Cleveland Clinic's arrhythmia treatment page.