What is the difference between ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation

From the sinus node, electrical impulses travel across the atria, causing the atrial muscles to contract and pump blood into the lower chambers of the heart ventricles. The electrical impulses then arrive at a cluster of cells called the atrioventricular AV node — usually the only pathway for signals to travel from the atria to the ventricles. The AV node slows down the electrical signal before sending it to the ventricles. This slight delay allows the ventricles to fill with blood.

When electrical impulses reach the muscles of the ventricles, they contract, causing them to pump blood either to the lungs or to the rest of the body.

When anything disrupts this complex system, it can cause the heart to beat too fast tachycardia , too slow bradycardia or with an irregular rhythm. Any condition that puts a strain on the heart or damages heart tissue can increase your risk of ventricular tachycardia. Lifestyle changes or medical treatment may decrease the risk associated with the following factors:.

If you have a family history of ventricular tachycardia or other heart rhythm disorders, you may have an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia. Complications of ventricular tachycardia vary in severity and depend on how fast your heart is beating, how long the rapid heartbeat lasts, how often tachycardia occurs and your overall heart health. Possible complications include:. A dangerous condition related to ventricular tachycardia is ventricular fibrillation V-fib.

In V-fib , your lower heart chambers contract in a very rapid and uncoordinated manner. This abnormal rhythm happens most often in people with heart disease or a prior heart attack. It may also occur due to electrolyte problems such as high or low potassium levels or, rarely, in otherwise normal hearts.

Ventricular fibrillation may also cause sudden cardiac arrest and lead to death if not treated immediately. The best way to prevent ventricular tachycardia is to treat or eliminate risk factors that may lead to heart disease. If you already have heart disease, follow your treatment plan and a heart-healthy lifestyle. Ventricular tachycardia care at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Atrial fibrillation AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia in the United States. Learn more about this condition, including causes and symptoms…. According to a new study, people who work night shifts have a 12 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation AFib , an irregular heart rate, compared…. New research from the U. Those who practice…. Avoiding or limiting certain foods can reduce the risk of an AFib episode.

Take care to sidestep these food items if you live with the condition. New guidelines are recommending newer drugs due to concerns over potential severe bleeding from warfarin use. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat arrhythmia that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related…. Implants and devices are often able to control AFib and reduce blood clots. Learn more about this alternative to taking blood thinners. Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is an electrical disorder of the upper chambers of the heart.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Atrial Fibrillation vs. Ventricular Fibrillation. Podrid PJ, et al. Ventricular arrhythmias during acute myocardial infarction: Incidence, mechanisms, and clinical features. Accessed April 5, Rethinking drinking: How much is too much? National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

How the heart works. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Goldman L, et al. Ventricular arrhythmias. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Elsevier; Bonow RO, et al. Ferri FF. Ventricular fibrillation. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Department of Health and Human Services. What is an automated external defibrillator? Ischemic heart condition that results because of interrupted flow of blood to the heart. These are: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia Ventricular Fibrillation vfib Certain causes of vfib include: Heart failure Coronary artery disorder Shock Aortic dissection Cardiomyopathies Aortic stenosis Myocarditis Electrical shock injury caused by electric current Sepsis severe body infection Drowning LQTS ventricular myocardial repolarization.

Medical drugs that impact electric currents in the heart such as Na or K channel blockers. Brugada syndrome ECG abnormality resulting in sudden death in patients with structurally normal hearts Risk factors Ventricular Tachycardia vtach Any medical disorder that induces strain or any kind of pressure on the heart cells or damages heart linings can increase the risk of ventricular tachycardia. Improved lifestyle patterns or medical treatment can alleviate the risks associated with the below mentioned factors: Heart disorders for example, previous heart attack, inflammatory disorders of heart or some birth defects in heart and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy a condition wherein a portion of the heart becomes quite thick without any obvious cause Intake of recreational drugs psychoactive drugs consumed to induce a modified consciousness for pleasure Extreme electrolyte deformities Side effects of certain medical drugs Other risk factors: In case, an individual has a family history of vtach or some other heart issues, he is at a higher risk of ventricular tachycardia.

Ventricular Fibrillation vfib Characteristics that may escalate your risk of ventricular fibrillation include: A prior event of ventricular fibrillation Already suffered heart attack Malfunctioning of heart since birth congenital heart disease Cardiomyopathy disease of heart muscle Damage to heart cells because of electrocution Intake of illegal drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine Notable electrolyte deformities, like with K or Mg Treatment Ventricular Tachycardia vtach Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia include: Vagal maneuvers Cardioversion Radio-frequency catheter ablation Anti-arrhythmic drugs Medications: Antiarrhythmic agent Beta blocker Blood pressure support Ventricular Fibrillation vfib Treatment for Ventricular Fibrillation include: cardiopulmonary resuscitation — CPR and shocks to the heart with a medical instrument called an automated external defibrillator AED Arrhythmia medications Defibrillation.

Coronary angioplasty and stent placement. Tach and V. She has around 35 national and international publications to her credit. Latest posts by Dr. Amita Fotedar -Dr see all. Help us improve. Rate this post! Cancel Reply. Follow Us.