Arrhythmia

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a condition in which the heart's electrical activity becomes disordered. When this happens, the heart's ventricles, the lower chambers that pump blood, contract in a rapid, unsynchronized way. The ventricles "flutter" rather than beat, causing the heart to pump little or no blood. Ventricular fibrillation is life-threatening and requires prompt treatment. Collapse and sudden cardiac death will follow in minutes unless medical help is provided immediately. If treated in time, ventricular fibrillation can be converted into a normal rhythm by shocking the heart with a device called a defibrillator.

An effective way to correct life-threatening rhythms is by using an electronic device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, which shocks the heart to normalize the heartbeat if the heart's own electrical signals become disordered.

• Other Abnormal Heart rhythms
• Arrhythmia -- Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
• UCSF Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Service

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.