Fatal arrhythmias are heart rhythm disturbances that can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. The three most common types of fatal arrhythmias are ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and torsades de pointes (TdP).
Ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic, irregular electrical activity that causes the heart to quiver instead of pumping blood. It is the most common type of fatal arrhythmia and can occur in individuals without underlying heart disease. It is typically caused by a disruption of the heart’s electrical system due to a blocked artery or an electrical abnormality. Without prompt medical attention, VF can lead to death within minutes.
Ventricular tachycardia is an abnormally fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles. It can cause the heart to beat too quickly and inefficiently, reducing the amount of blood pumped to the body and causing lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. If VT is not treated, it can degenerate into VF and cause sudden cardiac death.
Torsades de pointes is a rare form of VT that is characterized by an unusually fast, chaotic heart rhythm with prolonged pauses between beats. It is usually caused by an underlying heart condition, such as long QT syndrome, or by the use of certain medications. If left untreated, TdP can degenerate into VF and cause sudden cardiac death.
These three fatal arrhythmias can cause sudden cardiac death and should be taken seriously. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms associated with these arrhythmias, such as chest pain or lightheadedness. Seeking prompt medical care can help prevent sudden cardiac death from occurring.
