ventricular arrhythmia
Quick Summary
Ventricular arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm originating in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. This condition can lead to irregular and uncoordinated contractions, severely compromising the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.123
A critical form of ventricular arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, which prevents the heart from functioning as a pump and can rapidly lead to death if circulation is not restored. While sometimes associated with a heart attack, ventricular arrhythmias can also occur independently.23
Treatment for ventricular arrhythmias often involves addressing underlying causes like coronary artery disease, using medications, or employing devices such as internal defibrillators. Prompt intervention is crucial, as ventricular tachycardia can escalate into life-threatening ventricular fibrillation.43
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
