4/14 Clinicals

What is ventricular fibrilation?

An irregular heart rhythm where the heart’s ventricles beat in an erratic way

What causes ventricular fibrillation?

The ventricles quiver or twitch instead of expanding and squeezing, affecting their ability to pump blood. It is caused by heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart issues, heart surgery, the use of cocaine and methamphetamine, and certain medications.

What are the symptoms of ventricular fibrillation?

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

What are the risk factors of ventricular fibrillation?

• Hypoxemia

• Acidosis

What are the treatments of ventricular fibrillation?

• CPR

• Defibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation?

Irregular heart rhythm that begins in the atria caused by issues with the electrical signals. Instead of sending electrical signals in a steady pattern, it sends many different signals at the same time.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

The heart's electrical system malfunctions and sends many different signals at the same time, rather than in a steady pattern, causing a chaotic rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart. The ventricles then contract irregularly, which causes the rapid heartbeat.

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

• Feeling of butterflies in chest

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

What are the risk factors of atrial fibrillation?

• Increasing age

• Excessive alcohol use

What are the treatments for atrial fibrillation?

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Maintain healthy weight

What is arrhythmia?

An abnormal heartbeat

What causes arrhythmias?

Most arrhythmias happen because of an issue with your heart’s arteries, valves or muscles. Arrhythmias can start in different parts of your heart and they can be too fast, too slow or just irregular.

What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

• Heart palpitations

  • Shortness of breath