Ventricular Fibrillation: Diagnostic Tests
Mandatory medical device diagnostics. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) [no delineable QRS complexes, but irregular electrical activity].
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular Fibrillation: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate ventricular fibrillation: Leading symptom Rapid loss of consciousness
Ventricular Fibrillation: Causes
Pathogenesis (disease development) Ventricular fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia with very rapid, irregular contractions of the heart without ejection of blood into the circulation, resulting in circulatory arrest. Etiology (Causes) Disease-related causes Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle weakness). Coronary artery disease – atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries) of the coronary arteries. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) Medication … Ventricular Fibrillation: Causes
Ventricular Fibrillation: Therapy
General measures Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on existing disease. Conventional non-surgical therapy methods Defibrillation (“shock generator”) – as far as possible, restoration of normal heart activity by strong electric shocks. The device used is called a defibrillator. ICD implantation (pacemaker; implant promptly), if necessary also a subcutaneous (“under the skin“) implantable defibrillator … Ventricular Fibrillation: Therapy
Ventricular Fibrillation: Medical History
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of ventricular fibrillation. External history What happened? Pre-existing conditions (cardiovascular disease?) Allergies Medication history Antiarrhythmics (medications for cardiac arrhythmias).
Ventricular Fibrillation: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
Cardiovascular System (I00-I99). Ventricular flutter – life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia with rapid succession of relatively regular ventricular actions with a heart rate of 200 to 350/min; the transition to ventricular fibrillation is smooth. Ventricular tachycardia – cardiac arrhythmia with too fast heartbeat, originating from the ventricles.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Consequential Diseases
The following are the major diseases or complications that may be contributed to by ventricular fibrillation: Cardiovascular System (I00-I99). Sudden cardiac death (PHT). Jumping to a different heart rhythm
Ventricular Fibrillation: Examination
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: Assessment of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Neck vein congestion? Central cyanosis? (bluish discoloration of skin and central mucous membranes, e.g., tongue). Auscultation … Ventricular Fibrillation: Examination
Ventricular Fibrillation: Lab Test
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Electrolytes – potassium, magnesium Thyroid parameters – TSH Highly sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) or troponin I (hs-cTnI) – for suspected … Ventricular Fibrillation: Lab Test
Ventricular Fibrillation: Drug Therapy
Therapeutic target Restoration of a sufficient circulation Therapy recommendations Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (resuscitation; cardiac massage: ventilation = 30: 2) with defibrillation (shock generator; treatment method against the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias; independent of the cardiac action). Adrenaline (sympathomimetic). Amiodarone (antiarrhythmic drug; 300 mg i.v. or intraosseous after third unsuccessful defibrillation; evidence-based) or lidocaine (100 mg i.v.) ICD … Ventricular Fibrillation: Drug Therapy
