Things you should know about Ventricular Fibrillation and Preventing It

Ventricular fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that affects the heart’s ventricles. It is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention as sustained V-fib can lead to cardiac arrest and death. V-fib may happen several times a day in some people which is called an “electrical storm”. V-fib can be fatal with complications being the possibility of repeat episodes of fainting or near fainting.

CPR and defibrillation may be life-saving as it can restore the heart to its normal rhythm. For training, make sure to select a certified training center such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers are offered. After an episode of ventricular fibrillation, medications and cardiac procedures can prevent or reduce the chances of another episode. Also, an implantable cardiac defibrillator can promptly treat V-fib. People should be aware of what to do in case someone collapses because of ventricular fibrillation.

Preventing V-fib:

We are aware of the saying “prevention is better than cure” and prevention in this regard focuses on diagnosing and treating the underlying medical conditions that cause ventricular fibrillation. Certain medicines can also be used to reduce recurrence risk.

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators- These devices are implanted within the body to shock the heart back to normal rhythm within seconds if V-fib is present. The device can rapidly and automatically diagnose and treat this potentially fatal heart rhythm although it doesn’t necessarily prevent V-fib. If you are at higher risk for ventricular fibrillation, make sure your friends and loved ones are aware of what to do during an emergency. Encourage them to join a CPR program that also imparts training on defibrillator use and talk with them about when to call 911.

It is important that you follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for taking medicine to control arrhythmia if you are at risk for V-fib. Learn about more invasive options, such as an implantable defibrillator, or surgery, to prevent V-fib. Your friends and family should have proper knowledge in relation to how to respond if you collapse and stop breathing.

When to Call Emergency Medical services?

Ensure people around you know what to do in an emergency. If you experience V-fib symptoms like collapsing, unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness, inability to breathe, etc. someone around you should immediately dial 911 for emergency medical services.

Before visiting your healthcare provider:

1.      It’s vital that you know the reason for your visit.

2.      Write down questions you want answered before visiting.

3.      Ask someone to accompany you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

4.      Ask how your condition can be treated.

5.      Inquire why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also learn about the side-effects.

6.      Inquire why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

7.      Take the contact details of the provider to fix any follow-up appointment or for any further questions.

Hope, you find this information to be useful.

At CPR Nashville, you can either register for a class online or call on (615) 638-0005 for the same.