A chaotic unorganized cardiac rhythmOften refers to a discernible pattern in time or distance between QRS complexes and/or P waves. with several firing regions within the ventriclesThe larger chambers of the heart (3 times the volume and muscle thickness than the atria), responsible for the pumping of blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.; the result is uncoordinated ventricular activity and NO cardiac outputWhat is it? Why is it Vital? The amount of blood pumped out of the ventricle in a minute (most often refers to the blood pumped by the left ventricle) What is cardiac output? Simply, cardiac output is the amount... – a lethal dysrhythmiaUsed interchangeably with arrhythmia, refers to any abnormal rhythm – not normal sinus rhythm or sinus tachycardia. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 196; fine ventricular fibrillation defines an amplitudeThe height or depth of waves and complexes of an ECG in millimetres; represents millivolts where 10 mm is 1 millivolt with a properly calibrated monitor. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 190 less than 3 mm; coarse ventricular fibrillation has amplitudes of 3 mm or more.
Ventricular fibrillation is the most common presenting rhythm for victims of sudden cardiac death. Rather than pumping as a cohesive unit, multiple sites in the ventricles fire simultaneously, effecting only a quiver. A resulting fibrillation rateHeart Rate; calculated by counting the number of QRS complexes in six seconds and multiplying by 10; rate is also determined by measuring the number of large squares between two R waves; i.e. –1 large square = heart rate of 300/minute. is 350-600/minute.
The presence of chaotic ventricular fibrillatory waves of at least 3 mm in amplitude is often referred to as coarse ventricular fibrillation. It follows, then, that shallow ventricular fibrillatory waves (less than 3 mm in amplitude) is called fine ventricular fibrillation. The larger amplitude of coarse VF represents a higher degree of ventricular electrical activity, a positive indicator for successful defibrillationFor those in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation or polymorphic VT; an asynchronous application of an electrical current to the heart to depolarize all cells not in absolute refractory period – effectively producing a short period of asystole, hopefully....
Note that what looks like ventricular fibrillation may also be a loose or unconnected lead wire. When considering the treatment for this rhythm – a high-energy electrical discharge across the heart – it should come as no surprise that ventricular fibrillation must be initially confirmed with a pulse/circulation check.
Cardiac output is non-existent with ventricular fibrillation. Without the benefit of a cardiac monitor, the patient appears lifeless: pulseless and without respirations. The definitive treatment for ventricular fibrillation is rapid defibrillation with ample current across the ventricular myocardiumThe muscle layer of the heart; the middle layer that is responsible for contraction of the heart. The muscular myocardium is the thickest layer and the workhorse of the heart. It is composed of specialized muscle and electrical cells that.... For every minute, the likelihood of a successful resuscitation for a patient in VF falls by about 10%. Recognizing this rhythm and responding accordingly truly is a matter of life and death.
1. Six Second ECG GuidebookA Practice Guide to Basic and 12 Lead ECG Interpretation, written by Tracy Barill, 2012 Introduction The ability to correctly interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG), be it a simple six second strip or a 12 lead ECG, is a vital skill... (2012), T Barill, p. 114, 120-121, 208