Ventricular fibrillation is a disease that impacts the proper function of the muscles that make up the ventricles of the heart. Essentially VF causes the muscles to tremble rather than contract. The impaired function seriously impacts circulation and can lead to death within moments if not treated immediately.
Instructions
1. Administer an electrical discharge. The flow of current from a defibrillator to the chest area can provide the trauma required to shock the muscles of the ventricles into contracting again.
2. Thump the chest soundly. This process, known as a precordial thump, is intended to accomplish the same ends as a defibrillator and shock the muscles back into a regular pattern of contraction. Multiple thumps may be required to achieve the desired effect.
3. Inject medication to help restore proper muscle contractions. This should only take place under the direction of a qualified physician. There are several antiarrhythmic medications that may be administered directly into the heart muscle to quiet the tremors and allow the muscles to contract properly.
4. Install a permanent defibrillator. Used in extreme cases where ventricular fibrillation takes place on a recurring basis, the small cardioverter defibrillator activates when the regular process of muscle contractions weakens and tremors begin to appear in the muscles of the ventricles.
5. Have regular checkups. Persons with a tendency to experience episodes of ventricular fibrillation benefit from making sure no ancillary health issues place additional strain on the ventricles of the heart. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of other health conditions help to minimize the chance of complications that may result in an episode of ventricular fibrillation.
Tags: muscle contractions, muscles ventricles, shock muscles, ventricles heart