Ventricular Fibrillation : Articles
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Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a severely abnormal heart rhythm ( arrhythmia ) that, unless treated immediately, causes death. VF is responsible for 75% to 85% of sudden deaths in persons with heart problems. To pump blood out to the body, all areas of the heart normally squeeze (contract) in an organized, synchronic manner. The heart?s upper chambers (the atria) contract first, and then the heart?s bottom two chambers (ventricles) contract. During VF, however, the ventricles contract independently of the atria, and some areas of the ventricles contract while others are relaxing, in a disorganized manner.
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Ventricular fibrillation is a very rapid, uncoordinated, ineffective series of contractions throughout the lower chambers of the heart. Unless stopped, these chaotic impulses are fatal.
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Sometimes problems with the heart’s electrical signals lead to a fast heart rhythm. Too many signals may make the heart beat very fast (tachycardia). Or signals may be sent so rapidly and irregularly that the heart muscle sometimes quivers and doesn’t beat at all (fibrillation).
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