When ventricles beat at a severely abnormal pace, Ventricular Fibrillation occurs. This occurrence is life-threatening and can result in sudden death. This event is when the heart contracts and relaxes in rapid succession which produces low cardiac output. The result is a lack of blood, oxygen and nutrients circulating through the body.
Chemical imbalances and heart disease are the main causes for V-fib.
Imbalance of Electrolytes:
Electrolytes are chemicals in the body which the heart requires in order to function properly. If there is too much or not enough electrolytes, the heart reacts by beating irregularly. This causes an arrhythmia which can lead to cardiac death.
Amazingly, one of the best sources for electrolytes is good old fashioned chicken noodle soup. Our mother's were right; it is good for what ails us. However, it is important to implement caution when using processed soups as they contain very high levels of salt. This can be extremely dangerous for someone who must monitor their salt intake. Instead, turn to the tried and true homemade soups.
Electrolytes Include:
Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Magnesium Phosphate Potassium Sodium Sulfate
Electrolytes are essential to the body in a balanced order. This chemical can be lost or imbalanced by excessive sweating and frequent urination, basically any reason the body would lose fluids rapidly. When this occurs a cardiac arrhythmia.
The Symptoms:
When the heart is not pumping blood effectively, as in ventricular fibrillation, the victim will collapse and become unresponsive, due to the heart ceasing to function. There is no pulse or blood pressure. Prior to the onset of a V-fib episode, the patient may voice complaints of chest heaviness, difficulty breathing, and profuse sweating.
What are the Treatments?
When this serious situation occurs, Cardioversion using a defibrillator is used to shock the heart back into rhythm along with the administration of anti-arrhythmic medications given intravenously. This combination works together to restore normal sinus rhythm. In some cases, the physician may employ a new technique called the Carotid massage which release chemicals into the body to slow the heart rate. This technique is usually only performed on younger patients as the elderly run the risk of stroke. However, depending on the patients current condition, this technique has been used on the elderly with success.
Prevention Is Key:
This situation can lead to sudden death. In many cases, after a patient has been successfully stabilized, a mechanical ventilator may be required to help them breathe until they are stable enough to do it on their own. In addition, these patients as well as those having experienced a heart attack run the risk of experiencing V-fib again. In order to offset this risk, surgical procedures may be done to insert a defibrillator or pacemaker in the upper left portion of the patients chest. When an abnormal rhythm occurs, the device sends out small shockwaves that bring the heart back to a normal rhythm.
I believe CPR should be taken by everyone as well as being a mandatory course in school. This knowledge is crucial if small children or the elderly reside in the home. Your local Red Cross offers this course and it usually lasts only 2 to 3 days. It's a small price to pay for having the skills to save a life.
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