VF (Ventricular Fibrillation)

Exam Cram

• Ventricular Fibrillation results with impaired cardiac output and is incompatible with life, most commonly caused by a large myocardial infarction

• Presentation: collapse, cardiac arrest

• Diagnosis: ECG

• Management: ALS shockable ryhthm- DC cardioversion shock, amiodarone & adrenaline

Outline

Background

• VF

Assessment 

History

Examination

Investigations

• . 

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: ECG

Differentials: Torsades de Pointes (TdP) , VT (Ventricular Tachycardia) , Asystole 

Classification: by aetiology

• Myocardial Infarction

• Progression from arrhythmias - Torsades de Pointes (TdP) , VT (Ventricular Tachycardia). Long QT Syndrome 

• Cardiomyopathies, e.g. HOCM (Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy)  

Management

Acute

1. Start immediate CPR- 2 breaths then 30 chest compressions with airway support

2. DC Cardioversion ASAP

3. Amiodarone 300mg IV & adrenaline 1mg IV every 3-5 mins

Resources and References

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