Let's learn about the most dangerous condition in which the heart can suddenly stop (Ventricular Fibrillation)?

Imagine, someone you were having a nice conversation with suddenly collapses unconscious on the ground. It seems like they're not even breathing. What do we think at a time like this? Many people get scared and worried. Today we're talking about a very dangerous heart condition that can cause this. This is Ventricular Fibrillation, or V-fib for short.

What exactly is Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)?

Simply put, V-fib is a deadly arrhythmia that occurs in the heart. Our heart has four main chambers. Two upper chambers and two lower chambers. The two lower chambers are called ``ventricles``. These two chambers do the main job of pumping blood to the body.

Normally, these two chambers contract and expand in an orderly manner to pump blood. But in V-fib, these two chambers stop pumping properly and just start to wobble. Like a piece of jelly. So what happens then? Blood is not pumped to the rest of the body, especially the brain.

A person can lose consciousness within seconds of blood flow stopping. This condition is called cardiac arrest . If emergency treatment is not received, death can occur within minutes. This is a very serious condition.

What symptoms appear before this happens?

Most of the time, V-fib occurs without any warning . However, some people may show some symptoms shortly before the condition occurs. Recognizing these can give you a chance to take action early.

Within seconds or minutes of showing these symptoms, a person may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. When this happens, the person will not respond to talking or touching. They may also stop breathing or appear to be struggling to breathe.

What are the causes of V-fib?

The main cause of this dangerous condition is a heart attack. That is, a sudden blockage of an artery supplying blood to the heart (ischemia). But there are many other factors that can affect this.

• Heart attack: This is the most common and leading cause.
• Diseases that change the structure of the heart: Conditions such as cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart muscle.
• Other heart rhythm disorders: V-fib can also be caused by other heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).
• Congenital heart disease: Some genetic conditions, such as Brugada syndrome.
• Heart surgery: This risk may occur after some heart surgeries.
• Certain medications: This condition may occur as a side effect of certain medications.
• Drug use: Use of drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
• Salt imbalances in the body: Low or high levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood.
• Electric shock: The passage of a high-voltage electric current through the body.
• A strong blow to the chest: A condition called ``Commotio cordis`` that occurs when something like a ball hits the chest quickly while playing sports.

This is life-threatening! How is it treated?

This is the most important part. V-fib is a medical emergency. If someone is unconscious and collapses like this, every second counts. Your quick action could save a life.

What do you want to do?

1. Stay calm and ask for help: First, do not panic. Immediately call the 1990 (Suvaseriya) ambulance service or inform the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

2. Start CPR: Don't just wait for the ambulance to arrive or for an AED to arrive. If you know how to give CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), start chest compressions immediately. This helps maintain some blood flow to the brain and other organs.

3. Use an AED: An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a device that delivers an electric shock to restore the heart's electrical activity. These machines are now available in many public places (airports, shopping malls). No medical knowledge is required to use them. Once you turn on the machine, you can follow the instructions on the machine. V-fib is a shockable arrhythmia. If an AED is used within the first 3 minutes of the incident, the probability of saving a life is as high as 95%.

After being brought to the hospital, doctors confirm the V-fib condition with an ``EKG`` test. Then, many other tests are performed to find the cause, such as blood tests, ``echocardiogram``, and ``cardiac MRI``.

If you survive V-fib, what happens next?

If someone survives a dangerous situation like this, it's a great thing. However, there is a risk of this condition recurring. Therefore, doctors find out the cause and prescribe long-term treatment accordingly.

• Medications: Medications such as ``Antiarrhythmic medications'' are given to control the heart rhythm.
• An implantable device: Many people who survive V-fib have a small device called an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implanted under the skin of the chest. This is like a life preserver for the heart. If the heart rhythm becomes irregular again, this device detects it and automatically delivers an electric shock to restore the heart's rhythm.

In some cases, treatments such as ``ablation'' that destroy the areas in the heart that are causing the wrong electrical signals may also be used.

Are V-fib and Heart Attack the same thing?

No. This is something that many people get confused about.

• Heart Attack: This is a "vessel problem." This means that a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart is blocked by something like cholesterol. This damages the heart muscle.
• Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib): This is an "electrical problem." It means that the heart rhythm is irregular due to a defect in the heart's electrical signaling system.

But remember, V-fib can be caused by a heart attack. That means a heart attack is the main cause of V-fib.

Another condition related to this is called `Ventricular Tachycardia`. This is when the lower chambers of the heart `(ventricles)` start beating very fast. This can also become V-fib. Both of these are life-threatening conditions.

How can we protect ourselves from this dangerous situation?

Since the main cause of V-fib is heart disease, the best protection is to reduce your risk of having a heart attack. That means maintaining a healthy heart. There are many things you can do to help.

• Heart-healthy diet: Eat less oil, salt, and sugar, and more vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
• Regular exercise: Doing something like walking, running, or swimming for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus: If you have these diseases, follow your doctor's instructions and medications exactly.
• Stress management: Calm your mind through things like yoga and meditation.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: It is very important to maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol.

If anyone in your family has a history of heart disease or sudden death, talk to your doctor about it. You may need to have special tests.