EKG Analysis: Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)

#ekg #ecg #cardiachealth #ecgtechnician #ekgtechnician #ecginterpretation #ekginterpretation #ekganalysis #ekgrhythmanalysis #ecgrhythmanalysis #normalsinusrhythm #atrialfibrillation #vtach #vfib #ventriculartachycardia #ventricularfibrillation #nursingstudent #nursingschool

Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia in which the heart's ventricles, the lower chambers responsible for pumping blood to the body, quiver or fibrillate instead of contracting normally. This results in the heart being unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a lack of oxygen to the body's vital organs.

Some of the common causes of ventricular fibrillation include:
1. Coronary artery disease: The blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood can lead to the development of abnormal heart rhythms, including ventricular fibrillation.
2. Heart attack: A heart attack, which occurs when there is a sudden blockage in one of the coronary arteries, can lead to the death of heart muscle cells, creating an electrical imbalance in the heart and increasing the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
3. Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively due to damage or weakness of the heart muscle. It can increase the risk of developing ventricular fibrillation.
4. Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thick or rigid, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. This condition can also lead to the development of ventricular fibrillation.
5. Electrolyte imbalances: An imbalance of electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, or calcium, can affect the heart's electrical activity and lead to abnormal heart rhythms, including ventricular fibrillation.
6. Drug abuse: The use of certain illicit drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or methamphetamine, can cause abnormal heart rhythms and increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
7. Electrical shock: An electrical shock, either accidental or intentional, can disrupt the heart's normal electrical activity and cause ventricular fibrillation.

Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which can result in brain damage or death within minutes if not treated promptly. Immediate defibrillation, which involves the delivery of an electric shock to the heart, is necessary to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent irreversible damage. Defibrillation is a time-critical procedure, and prompt action can save a patient's life. Early recognition and treatment of ventricular fibrillation is crucial for a positive outcome.

During ventricular fibrillation, the heart's electrical impulses become disorganized, causing the ventricles to contract in a rapid, irregular and uncoordinated manner. The chaotic electrical activity results in the ECG waveform appearing as irregular, rapid and disorganized waves, known as fibrillatory waves. The absence of a normal QRS complex, which represents the ventricular depolarization, is a key characteristic of ventricular fibrillation.