What is ventricular fibrillation?

Ventricular fibrillation is a serious cardiac condition characterized by disorganized and chaotic electrical impulses in the heart's ventricles. This erratic activity causes the ventricles to quiver instead of contracting effectively, which disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood and can lead to cardiac arrest if not treated promptly. The term "fibrillation" specifically refers to this disorganized electrical activity.

Understanding this condition is crucial, as it requires immediate medical intervention, often in the form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, to restore a normal heart rhythm. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ventricular fibrillation can significantly impact patient outcomes during a cardiac emergency.