Ventricular fibrillation of the heart

Where does fibrillation occur and what triggers it?

• Atrial fibrillation affects the upper parts of the heart - the atria, where uncoordinated electrical discharges occur and they lose their effective contraction.
• Ventricular fibrillation takes place in the lower chambers of the heart, which lose their ability to pump blood to the body in this condition. As a result, circulatory failure occurs.

Possible triggers for fibrillation include:

• high blood pressure
• ischaemic heart disease
• heart failure
• congenital heart defects
• inflammation of the heart muscle
• alcohol and excessive consumption (“holiday heart syndrome”)
• caffeine and atrial fibrillation (caffeine may be a trigger in susceptible individuals)
• thyroid disorders
• infections or febrile conditions
• psychological stress, lack of sleep
• side effects of certain drugs or medicines

Ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation: symptoms

Some patients may develop atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, that is, the heart rate is markedly accelerated. This condition increases the risk of heart failure and requires urgent management.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation:

• heart palpitations, often very irregular
• fatigue and weakness, even after little exertion
• dizziness, shortness of breath
• chest tightness
• decreased performance
• anxiety or chest discomfort

Ventricular fibrillation is an acute life-threatening condition and without intervention, death occurs within minutes.

Symptoms of ventricular fibrillation:

• sudden loss of consciousness
• collapse
• no palpable pulse
• life-threatening condition requiring immediate resuscitation

Atrial Fibrillation ECG and Ventricular Fibrillation ECG

How is the examination performed? Diagnosis usually includes:

• ECG atrial fibrillation - basic heart rhythm testing
• Holter ECG - 24-72 hour monitoring of heart activity
• Echocardiography - ultrasound imaging of the heart
• Blood tests - to rule out metabolic causes

The examination also includes identification of other types of arrhythmias, such as ventricular extrasystoles, which may indicate irritability of the heart muscle and require further cardiac monitoring. Treatment varies according to the type of fibrillation and the general condition of the patient. It may include:

• medication - drugs to slow the heart rate, stabilize the rhythm, thin the blood
• performing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation - controlled discharge to restore the correct rhythm
• catheter ablation - removal of pathological areas in the heart tissue
• implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (for ventricular fibrillation)
• lifestyle modification - limiting alcohol, stress, treating hypertension, sports

Why turn to us??

At ATODA Medical we offer you:

• a top cardiology team with many years of experience
• modern diagnostic technologies and painless examinations
• fast appointments without waiting times
• individual approach and tailor-made treatment plan
• emphasis on prevention, education and patient comfort

Heart health is the foundation of a person's overall well-being. If you experience any irregularities in your heart rhythm, fatigue, palpitations or dizziness, don't read discussions on the internet, wait and get checked out. Fibrillation may appear subtle at first, but without treatment it has serious consequences.

Permanent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (treatment varies)

Treatment of atrial fibrillation varies according to the type and requires not only an individual approach to treatment but also to monitoring.

• Paroxysmal - arises and resolves spontaneously (usually within 48 hours)
• Persistent atrial fibrillation - lasts longer than a week and does not resolve on its own, usually requires medical intervention
• Permanent - persists for a long time, persistent irregular rhythm
• Non-valvular atrial fibrillation - a form that is not caused by valvular disease and has a specific treatment regimen

Without treatment, atrial fibrillation can lead to:

• formation of blood clots (especially in the left atrium) that can cause stroke
• deterioration of heart function, which can lead to heart failure
• chronic fatigue, loss of self-sufficiency

A long-term persistent condition may be referred to as chronic atrial fibrillation (causes include age, high blood pressure, ischemia, as well as metabolic and lifestyle disorders).

Do not wait if you have symptoms or suspect cardiac arrhythmia. Make an appointment with us today.