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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

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Alternate Names : VF


Definition

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.

Pictures & Images

Heart, Section Through the Middle
Heart, Section Through the Middle

Heart, Front View
Heart, Front View

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The most common cause of VF is a heart attack, but VF can occur whenever the heart muscle is affected by a poor supply of oxygen or by specific heart disorders.

Conditions that can lead to VF include:

Ventricular fibrillation is the main cause of sudden cardiac death, which in turn affects nearly 300,000 people each year in the U.S.

While most people suffering from VF have no previous history of heart disease, many have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.



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Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Review Date : 6/2/2003
Reviewed By : Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 16 May, 2008