Ventricular Fibrillation Flashcards
Define Ventricular Fibrillation?
An irregular broad-complex tachycardia that can cause cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death
What is the aetiology of Ventricular Fibrillation?
The ventricular fibres contract randomly causing compelte failure of ventricular function
Most cases occur in patients with underlying heart disease
What are the risk factors for Ventricular Fibrillation?
Coronary Artery Disease AF Hypoxia Ischaemia Pre-excitation Syndrome
What is the epidemiology of Ventricular Fibrillation?
The MOST COMMON arrhythmia idenfied in cardiac arrest patients
Incidence of Ventricular Fibrillation parralels the incidence of Ischaemic Heart Disease
What are the presenting symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation?
Chest Pain
Fatigue
Palpitations
What pre-existing conditions are associated with Ventricular Fibrillation?
Coronary Artery Disease Cardiomyopathy Valvular Heart Disease Long QT syndrome Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Brugada Syndrome
What investigations would you do for Ventricular Fibrillation?
ECG Cardiac Enzymes (e.g. troponin) Electrolytes Drug levels and toxicology screen TFTs Coronary Angiography
Why do we check the levels of Cardiac Enzymes in Ventricular Fibrillation?
Check for recent ischaemic event
Why do we check Drug Levels and do a toxicology screen for Ventricular Fibrillation?
Anti-arrhythmics can cause arrhythmia as can various recreational drugs (e.g. cocaine)
Why do we TFTs for Ventricular Fibrillation?
Hyperthyroidism can cause tachycarrhythmias
Why do we do Coronary Angiography for Ventricular Fibrillation?
If patient survives Ventricular Fibrillation, to check the integrity of coronary arteries
What is the management plan for Ventricular Fibrillation?
Ventricular Fibrillation requires urgent defibrillation and cardioversion
Patients who survive need full assessment of left ventricular function, myocardial perfusion and electrophysiological stability
Most survivors will need an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
Empirical beta-blockers
Some patients may be treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
What are some possible complications of Ventricular Fibrillation?
Ischaemic brain injury due to loss of cardiac output Myocardial injury Post-defibrillation arrhythmias Aspiration Pneumonia Skin burns Death
