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Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation

Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation and Emergency Room Diagnosis

People with Ventricular Fibrillation usually present to the emergency room as unconscious. The following symptoms listed below may occur in the early stage of Ventricular Fibrillation:

  • Chest pain and discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Syncope (Fainting)
  • Palpitation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin)
  • Rapid faint pulse or absence of pulse

Diagnosis of  Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation usually ends up in fainting. Thus, most individuals are confirmed with a diagnosis  of Ventricular Fibrillation in the emergency room. The following diagnostic modalities document Ventricular Fibrillation.

Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) – The procedure that involves placing of an electrode on the body to determines the polarity of heart’s discharges. Physicians may determine the speed of the heart, rhythm and the timing of impulse as it passes through the different parts of the heart. Ventricular Fibrillation will exhibit rapid irregular patterns.

Cardiac Monitor- A Cardiac Monitor is like an ECG that is continuously attached to the individual for the visual monitoring of the cardiac activity while he or she is unconscious. The electrical activity in the monitor may guide proper decision making of the Emergency room physician. Cardiac monitors are usually equipped with defibrillation paddles for cardioversion to resort a normal heart rhythm.

Blood Tests – Certain cardiac enzymes like troponin, CK-MB and myoglobin may increase during a recent myocardial ischemia or infarction that could trigger Ventricular Fibrillation.

Invasive Cardiac Catheterization – This is an invasive procedure whereby a flexible plastic tube is inserted in a big vessel of the thigh, arm or neck, and threaded to the heart. Cardiac catheters may feed a dye to illustrate blockades in the affected coronaries by imaging but at the same time treat obstruction by dislodging the occluding plaque.

 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) –Cardiac MRI utilizes magnet, radio waves and computer to diagnose defects of the heart. MRI can give three dimensional imaging, either static or moving. Cardiologist can easily see the primary pathology behind the Ventricular Fibrillation attack.

Other Possible Related Conditions?

Emergency room physicians may be confronted with an unconscious individual with cardiac signs. Differential diagnosis that causes heart attack will be primarily considered like acute myocardial infarction, poisoning, ruptured brain aneurysm and other conditions.  Promptness in the intervention of this condition is imperative in the prognosis of these types of cases.

Next Visit, Ventricular Fibrillation Treatments

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.