Do you have Ventricular Fibrillation?
Ventricular fibrillation is a serious life-threatening medical condition in which the lower chambers of the heart has an abnormal contraction or rhythm (also called arrhythmia). During ventricular fibrillation, blood is not removed from the heart and sudden cardiac death can occur. Emergency medical attention must be received in case of ventricular fibrillation.There are several medical conditions that create an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation including: congenital heart disease, injury to the heart, heart muscle disease, heart attack, heart surgery and others. Smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes can increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
Symptoms which may occur one hour before ventricular fibrillation occurs are similar to symptoms associated with a heart attack: chest pain, dizziness, nausea, fast heartbeat, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention. Once a person experiences ventricular fibrillation they will often become unconscious because the heart and the muscles have stopped receiving blood. While waiting for emergency medical help, check the victim’s pulse and breathing. It may be necessary to perform CPR until an ambulance arrives. A defibrillator may help shock the heart back into normal rhythm.
Doctors may implant a cardioverter-defibrillator in patients that are at high risk of ventricular fibrillation. This device will act much like a defibrillator and will shock the heart if the normal rhythm is disrupted.
Certain medications can be prescribed to individuals who are at high risk of ventricular fibrillation to help reduce the risk of the condition.
Cited References:
Wikipedia
National Library of Medicine/National Institute of Health
American Heart Association
FacetoFace Health Heart Defects and Diseases Support Group