The most serious type of heart arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, which is when the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles) quiver rather than beating in a regular rhythm. This can cause the heart to stop pumping blood, leading to a loss of consciousness, and potentially death.
Ventricular fibrillation can be caused by a number of things, such as an underlying heart condition, a severe electrolyte imbalance, or the use of certain medications. It can also be caused by an electrical shock or a heart attack. In some cases, it can occur without any underlying cause.
When a person experiences ventricular fibrillation, it is an emergency situation. Treatment typically involves electric shock (defibrillation) to get the heart back to a normal rhythm. If this does not work, medications may be used to try to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. In some cases, a pacemaker may be needed.
If left untreated, ventricular fibrillation can lead to cardiac arrest, which is fatal. As a result, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of ventricular fibrillation, such as dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, or fainting.