Ventricular Fibrillation
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.
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