Disorganised chaotic electrical activity and contraction. The heart quivers (fibrillation) and CO falls to ~0
Causes/Factors
- Little warning of this condition before
- myocardial infarction
- Heart Failure
Symptoms
Possible
- Palpitations
- Light-headedness
- Chest pain
Signs
- Rapid loss of consciousness
- Unresponsive
- Pulseless
Diagnostic Tests
Management
- Basic life support
- DC electric shock as soon as possible once rhythm identified
- blockers sometimes used
- Family history assessment
- Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) - provides an immediate electrical shock on detection of VF