What is the primary risk associated with ventricular fibrillation?

Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the heart, leading to ineffective quivering of the ventricles instead of coordinated contractions. The primary risk associated with this arrhythmia is sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart ceases to pump blood effectively and circulation stops. This results in a rapid decrease in blood flow to vital organs, including the brain, leading to loss of consciousness and death if not treated immediately.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs because the ventricles are unable to contract meaningfully, preventing them from generating a pulse. If this condition persists without intervention, it ultimately leads to fatal outcomes. Prompt recognition and treatment, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, are crucial for survival. Understanding that ventricular fibrillation leads directly to this life-threatening situation helps underline the urgency of addressing this arrhythmia in clinical practice.