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Atrial and Ventricular Fibrillation: Vital Information on Heart Rhythm Disorders
What is Fibrillation?
What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

What is Fibrillation?

Creator: Prof. Dr. Nadir Barındık
Published: 2024-04-24T17:40:42+03:00

Atrial and Ventricular Fibrillation: Vital Information on Heart Rhythm Disorders

Our heart is an organ that beats regularly every day, manages vital functions, and sustains life. However, when this regular rhythm is disrupted, heart disease problems may arise. Among the most well-known rhythm disorders are atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation. Both conditions can directly affect heart health and may pose life-threatening risks if not treated early.

In this article, we will discuss what atrial fibrillation is and what ventricular fibrillation is. We will also provide information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these rhythm disorders.

What is Fibrillation?

It is a type of heart rhythm disorder caused by the irregular and often rapid contraction of the atria (upper chambers of the heart). This disorder makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently and can eventually lead to clot formation within the heart.

In a healthy heart, electrical activities proceed in an orderly manner, allowing the heart to beat 60-100 times per minute. However, in atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals become mixed. The atria begin to quiver, and the heartbeat becomes fast and irregular.

What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation usually develops as a result of another underlying condition. The most common causes include:

High blood pressure
Valve disease (especially in the mitral valve)
Coronary artery disease
Previous heart attack
Structural abnormalities in the heart muscle
Thyroid gland disorders (hyperthyroidism)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Stress and sleep disorders
Lung diseases
Genetic predisposition

In addition, the risk of atrial fibrillation increases with advancing age.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

While atrial fibrillation may not cause any symptoms in some individuals, it can lead to complaints severe enough to affect quality of life in others. The most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:

Palpitations (rapid and irregular heartbeat)
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
Reduced exercise tolerance

These symptoms result from the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively. In older adults, symptoms may be less noticeable, but the risk is higher.

Is Atrial Fibrillation Fatal?

The question “Is atrial fibrillation fatal?” can be quite concerning for patients newly diagnosed with the condition. While this condition is not directly fatal, it can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. The most common complications include:

Stroke: A blood clot formed in the atria can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Heart failure: Over time, the heart muscle becomes fatigued and loses its pumping strength.
Progression of heart rhythm disorders: Atrial fibrillation may lead to other rhythm problems over time.

For this reason, early diagnosis and regular follow-up are of vital importance.

What Is Ventricular Fibrillation?

Ventricular fibrillation is a severe heart rhythm disorder in which the electrical activity of the heart’s lower chambers, the ventricles, becomes completely disrupted. In this condition, the heart can no longer contract effectively and is unable to pump blood. This rhythm disorder is often mistaken for a heart attack. However, it can actually result in sudden cardiac arrest and is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation usually occurs suddenly and presents with the following symptoms:

Sudden loss of consciousness
Cessation of breathing
Absence of a detectable pulse
Pale or bluish skin
Cardiac arrest

This condition can lead to death within minutes, so immediate intervention is essential.

Treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a serious rhythm disorder occurring in the heart’s lower chambers. It can cause sudden loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. The heart cannot pump blood effectively, and without emergency intervention, it can be fatal.

Emergency Intervention
The primary goal is to restart the heart. Timely intervention is vital.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Rhythmic pressure is applied to the chest to provide artificial circulation.
The aim is to deliver oxygenated blood to the brain.
It must continue uninterrupted until the medical team arrives.

Defibrillation (Electric Shock)

Controlled shocks are delivered to the heart using an AED device.
Chaotic rhythms are stopped to restore normal heartbeats.
Early shock increases the chance of survival.

Hospital Treatment
After emergency intervention, the cause is identified and a treatment plan is made for a permanent solution.

Medications

Antiarrhythmic drugs prevent rhythm disorders.
In some cases, heart failure medications are also administered.

Angiography and Stenting

If the cause is a heart attack, blocked vessels are opened.

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)

In recurrent cases, an ICD device is implanted in the heart.
This device automatically delivers shocks when necessary and saves lives.

3.Lifestyle and Follow-up

Blood pressure and cholesterol control are essential.
Smoking should be stopped, and alcohol intake limited.
Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management are important.
Regular cardiology check-ups should be done to monitor heart rhythm.

The Right Address for Your Heart: A Life Health Group

As A Life Health Group, we stand by you against significant health issues. Among these are heart rhythm disorders, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular fibrillation. With our modern diagnostic methods, expert cardiology team, and personalized treatment plans, we work to protect your heart health.

If you experience irregular heart rhythm, chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, immediately consult our expert cardiology unit.

For appointments and information; you can make an appointment using our 24/7 call center or our website. You can check your heart health.

Remember: The rhythm of your heart is the rhythm of your life.

Prepared by A Life Medical Editorial Board.

Last Updated: 6 Kasım 2025 14:05

Publish Date: 24 Nisan 2024 17:40