Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia that is typified by rapidly and erratically contracting ventricles in the heart. The heart quivers and is unable to circulate blood adequately, in contrast to the regular synchronized beating that pumps blood throughout the body. If this illness is not treated right away, it may result in abrupt cardiac arrest. The heart's electrical signals become disorganized during ventricular fibrillation, which makes the ventricles quiver instead of contract synchronously. This causes the heart to beat quickly and irregularly, making it impossible to pump blood efficiently. Tissues can very rapidly run out of oxygen if the heart is unable to pump blood enriched with oxygen to the body's essential organs. People who have underlying cardiac disorders, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, or structural heart defects, are more likely to experience VF. Certain conditions like electrolyte imbalances, medication toxicity, or significant chest injuries might also cause it. It is imperative to take quick action when VF arises. VF will cause mortality in a matter of minutes if treatment is not received. Defibrillation, which involves shocking the heart with electricity to reset its electrical signals and return it to a normal rhythm, is the main treatment for VF. For this reason, automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are frequently seen in public areas. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is necessary in addition to defibrillation to provide artificial circulation and sustain blood flow to critical organs until medical assistance arrives.Rescue breathing and chest compressions are two techniques used in CPR to maintain the body's oxygen supply. Ventricular fibrillation's prognosis is influenced by how soon it is treated. Survival rates are significantly raised by performing CPR and immediate defibrillation. The shortage of oxygen during the VF episode, however, can have long-lasting repercussions on the heart and brain, even with quick therapy. In addition to treating underlying cardiac issues, prevention of VF entails cutting back on risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Maintaining heart health and lowering the risk of ventricular fibrillation can also be achieved with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and abstaining from alcohol.
