Ventricular fibrillation

How is ventricular fibrillation treated?

Emergency treatments are required for ventricular fibrillation, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. These treatments aim to restore blood flow through the body as fast as possible to prevent brain damage and restore the heart function. 

It is also essential to have other treatment to prevent future episodes of ventricular fibrillation.

Mainstay of treatment is the optimal therapy of the underlying heart or metabolic disease. Doctors would normally prescribe oral medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers to slow down heart rates.

The doctor may also recommend having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted in your chest, which is a small device that can help to monitor the heartbeat and restore it to a normal heart rhythm.

If the condition is caused by other underlying such as a heart valve disorder, patients will require treatment of that pre-existing condition and may require surgery.