Ventricular Fibrillation

Overview

Ventricular fibrillation (v-fib or VF, for short) is the most common deadly arrhythmia. With this irregular heart rhythm, your heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) beat in an erratic way. They quiver or twitch instead of expanding and squeezing. This means they can’t pump blood as they should.

When blood stops flowing for this reason, you typically have just a few seconds before you pass out. This is called cardiac arrest, which is usually fatal in a few minutes without immediate care.

If you see someone collapse, you might feel scared and not know what to do. The best way to help them is to call 911 or your local emergency number.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.