Ventricular fibrillation

Diagnosis  

Ventricular fibrillation is typically diagnosed in emergency situations, and if sudden cardiac death has occurred, a pulse check will confirm the absence of a pulse. 

To diagnose and identify the underlying cause of ventricular fibrillation, several diagnostic tests are available: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This painless and rapid test measures the heart’s electrical activity. Electrodes are attached to the chest and sometimes the arms and legs, with wires connecting them to a computer that displays the results. An ECG can reveal irregular heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation, which typically manifests as a rapid heartbeat, around 300 to 400 beats per minute. 
• Blood tests: Blood tests are conducted to assess the presence of cardiac enzymes or proteins that may leak into the bloodstream due to heart damage caused by events like a heart attack. 
• Chest X–ray: An X–ray of the chest provides images that depict the heart’s size, shape, and the condition of its blood vessels. 
• Echocardiogram: This non–invasive procedure employs sound waves to create moving images of the heart, enabling assessment of its size and structure. 
• Cardiac computerized tomography (CT): A CT scan employs X–rays to generate cross–sectional images of specific areas of the body, including the heart. 
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging technique utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images, especially useful for assessing blood flow within the heart. 
• Coronary catheterization (Angiogram): This test helps healthcare professionals detect blockages in the coronary arteries. It involves the insertion of a flexible catheter into a blood vessel, often in the groin or wrist, which is then guided to the heart. Dye is injected through the catheter to enhance visibility of the heart’s arteries on X–ray images and videos. 

Treatment  

Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent sudden cardiac death. The main goal of emergency treatment is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible and prevent damage to vital organs and the brain. 

Emergency treatment for ventricular fibrillation involves the following steps: 

• Call for help: Dial your local emergency number right away. 
• Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): CPR helps keep blood flowing through the body when the heart is not pumping effectively. Here’s what to do: 

• • Place the heel of your hand on the center of the person’s chest. 
  • Push hard and fast, aiming for about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. 
  • Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions. 
  • Continue CPR until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available or emergency medical help arrives. 

• Use an AED (automated external defibrillator): AEDs are devices that can restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. Here’s how to use one: 

• • As soon as an AED is available, apply it to the person’s chest and follow the prompts. 
  • If you’re not trained to use an AED, an emergency responder can guide you through the process. 
  • AEDs are designed to recognize ventricular fibrillation and deliver a shock only when necessary. 

In addition to emergency treatment, there are other treatments to prevent future episodes of ventricular fibrillation and reduce the risk of related symptoms. These treatments include: 

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications, known as anti–arrhythmics, to help control your heart rhythm and reduce the risk of ventricular fibrillation if you are at risk. 

Medical Devices 

• Implantable Cardioverter–Defibrillator (ICD): This device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. It continuously monitors your heart rhythm and can deliver shocks to stop ventricular fibrillation and restore a normal rhythm. 

Surgical Procedures 

• Cardiac ablation: During this procedure, heat or cold energy is used to create small scars in the heart to block irregular electrical signals that can trigger ventricular fibrillation. This is often done with catheters inserted through blood vessels. 
• Coronary angioplasty and stent placement: If ventricular fibrillation is caused by a heart attack, this procedure can help reduce the risk of future episodes. It involves inflating a balloon in a blocked artery and placing a stent to keep it open.
• Coronary bypass surgery: In cases where coronary artery disease is the cause of ventricular fibrillation, bypass surgery can redirect blood flow around blocked arteries. A healthy blood vessel is used to create a new pathway for blood circulation.