This information supports, and does not replace, advice from your healthcare professional.
Overview
Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood effectively.
Symptoms
Sudden collapse No pulse or breathing Loss of consciousness Sudden cardiac arrest if untreated
Causes
Heart attack or ischemic heart disease Cardiomyopathy or structural heart issues Electrolyte imbalances
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitoring in emergency settings
Treatment
Immediate CPR and defibrillation Medications such as antiarrhythmics Long-term: implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for high-risk patients