One of the 2 life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias that occur in cardiac arrest. The heart has rapid, uncoordinated, ineffective contractions and does not pump blood. The problem is due to abnormal heartbeats initiated by electrical activity in the ventricles. It is a common complication of myocardial infarction and may also be caused by electrocution or drowning. The diagnosis is confirmed by ECG. Emergency treatment is with defibrillation and antiarrhythmic drugs.
Ventricular fibrillation |
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