Answer:
1. Ventricular fibrillation (VF or V fib) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by the rapid and chaotic contraction of the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. Instead of contracting and pumping blood effectively, the ventricles quiver or fibrillate, leading to inadequate blood flow to the body's organs.
2. There are three main causes of ventricular fibrillation mentioned in the video:
- Ischemic heart disease: This occurs when there is a blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen, it can lead to abnormal electrical signals and trigger VFib.
- Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can weaken the heart and disrupt its electrical system. Conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
- Electrical disturbances: Certain electrical imbalances in the heart can cause VFib. For example, a condition called long QT syndrome, which affects the heart's electrical repolarization, can increase the risk of VFib.
3. The video mentions eight signs and symptoms of ventricular fibrillation:
- Sudden loss of consciousness: VFib can cause a sudden and complete loss of consciousness due to the disruption of blood flow to the brain.
- Absence of pulse: VFib can result in the absence of a palpable pulse, as the heart is not effectively pumping blood.
- No breathing or gasping for breath: As blood flow is compromised, the person may stop breathing or gasp for breath due to the lack of oxygen.
- Cyanosis: Due to inadequate oxygenation, the person's skin may appear bluish or dusky in color.
- Seizure activity: VFib can lead to seizures or convulsions due to the lack of oxygen to the brain.
- Absence of a heart rate on monitoring devices: When monitoring devices are used, VFib will show as a chaotic tracing or absence of a discernible heart rate.
- Unresponsiveness to stimuli: The person may not respond to external stimuli, such as touch or sound.
- Loss of vital signs: VFib can result in the loss of vital signs, including blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels.
Remember, ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation: