What is a common cause of ventricular fibrillation?

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by disorganized electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to ineffective contractions and a failure to pump blood. One of the most common causes of VF is acute myocardial infarction (AMI). During an AMI, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, which can result in ischemia and injury to the heart tissue. This damage disrupts the normal electrical conduction pathways, increasing the risk of developing VF. When the cells of the heart become irritable due to lack of blood flow, they can start to fire erratically, which is a hallmark of VF.

While other factors, such as electrolyte imbalances and extreme bradycardia, can also contribute to the development of VF, acute myocardial infarction is particularly significant as it is one of the most prevalent underlying conditions that lead to this critical arrhythmia.