Ventricular Arrythmias (VT, Ventricular fibrillation VF)

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What is Ventricular Arrythmias?

Ventricular Arrythmias Ventricular Arrythmia (VA) 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 a synchronised manner. The heart's upper chambers (the atria) contract first, and then the heart's bottom two chambers (the ventricles) contract. During VA, however, the ventricles contract independently of the atria, and some areas of the ventricles contract while others are relaxing, in a disorganized manner.

Who gets Ventricular Arrythmias?

Ventricular arrhythmias are usually acute events with their incidence is related that of its causative pathology.

Predisposing Factors

Most ventricular arrhythmias are caused by coronary heart disease, hypertension or cardiomyopathy.

Progression

Ventricular tachycardia

The heart rate is rapid, frequently 120 bpm and above. At this rate the ventricles do not have time to fill properly and cardiac output is reduced leading to hypotension. Fast VT is a peri-arrest rhythm and cardiac arrest may occur at anytime. Due to reduced cardiac output complications such as myocardial infarction can occur.

Cardiac failure can be precipitated by VT. VT sometimes reverts spontaneously or can be corrected with medical therapy.

Ventricular fibrillation

The heart rate is very rapid and irregular and no mechanical contraction fo the heart can occur. The patient is pulseless and rapidly loses consciousness and stops breathing. These rhythms do not revert spontaneously. This condition causes cardiac arrest.

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