08-19-2018, 07:32 PM
Ventricular fibrillation is the lack of ordered ventricular contraction. This results in NO CARDIAC OUTPUT and is immediately life threatening.
Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Notably, VF is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction (first 24 hours).
Congenital (e.g. Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, Romano-Ward syndrome) and acquired (e.g. drugs, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia) etiologies of long QT syndrome that cause Torsades de pointes can also predispose to VF.
Clinical Presentation – Usually occurring after an ischemic event, ventricular fibrillation is a terminal event and cause of cardiac arrest because of the lack of cardiac output and is an ACLS emergency. The patient will likely experience syncope, hypotension, and pulselessness shortly following this rhythm.
No identifiable waves since the rhythm is completely erratic. There are no discernable P, QRS, or T waves.
Ventricular fibrillation is the most common cause of sudden death.
Immediate chest compressions and defibrillation are indicated. Please refer to ACLS guidelines for exact resuscitation strategies.
The presence of structural heart disease, electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, and inappropriate medication may increase susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation.