What heart rhythms do you defibrillate?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information on the types of heart rhythms that typically require defibrillation. Defibrillation is a medical procedure that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm. It's a critical intervention for certain life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The primary rhythms that are targeted for defibrillation are: 1. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): This is a chaotic and rapid heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. It's one of the most serious heart conditions and requires immediate defibrillation. 2. Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Similar to VF, pulseless VT is a rapid heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles but may not be immediately life-threatening if a pulse is present. However, it can deteriorate into VF, so defibrillation is often necessary. 3. Cardiac Arrest: This is a state where the heart has stopped beating or is pumping ineffectively, and it is often associated with VF or pulseless VT. Defibrillation is a key part of the treatment protocol. It's important to note that not all arrhythmias require defibrillation. For example, atrial fibrillation (AF), while serious, is typically managed with medications and other procedures rather than defibrillation.

Description. Defibrillation - is the treatment for immediately life-threatening arrhythmias with which the patient does not have a pulse, ie ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). Cardioversion - is any process that aims to convert an arrhythmia back to sinus rhythm.