Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Ventricular fibrillation


Overview

Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) is sometimes triggered by a heart attack. It can cause blood pressure to plummet, cutting off blood supply to vital organs.

Symptoms

Sustained ventricular fibrillation causes loss of consciousness and breath.

Treatments

Emergency treatment includes CPR and defibrillation. Long-term therapy includes implantable devices and medication, including beta blockers.