If someone is experiencing ventricular fibrillation, it is a medical emergency. Responding quickly is critical to improving their chances of survival and reducing any long-term damage. Immediately call 911 and start CPR. An automated external defibrillator can be used to shock the chest and restore regular heartbeat, buying time for the patient to get to the hospital for emergency medical care.
Once the patient is out of immediate danger, medical providers may recommend additional treatment.
- Antiarrhythmics: These medications work to help restore a normal heart rhythm. This category includes sodium channel blockers, which slow the entry of sodium ions (an electrolyte) when the heart contracts. This helps control irregular signals.
- Beta blockers: These medications block the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which slows the heart rate and lessens the force of heart contractions.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications block calcium channels to the heart cells, which slows the heart rate and helps manage arrhythmias.
- Potassium channel blockers: These medications target potassium channels in the heart cells. This helps to prevent abnormal electrical signals and stabilize the heart rhythm.
Most people who have ventricular fibrillation will need an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placed in their chest. An ICD can detect a dangerous arrythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, when it occurs and provide an electric shock to send the heart into a normal rhythm.
