What rhythms can be defibrillated?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information on rhythms that can be defibrillated. Defibrillation is a medical procedure that is used to correct certain life-threatening arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. The most common arrhythmias that can be treated with defibrillation are: 1. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): This is a very dangerous arrhythmia where the ventricles of the heart quiver chaotically instead of pumping blood effectively. It is often associated with sudden cardiac arrest and requires immediate defibrillation. 2. Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Similar to VF, VT is a rapid heart rate that originates in the ventricles. However, in VT, there is a pulse, but if the heart rate is too fast and the patient becomes pulseless, it is considered a medical emergency and can be treated with defibrillation. 3. Atrial Fibrillation (AF): While AF is not typically treated with external defibrillation, it can be treated with a procedure called cardioversion, which is a controlled form of electrical shock to the heart. This is done to restore the heart's normal rhythm. It's important to note that not all arrhythmias require defibrillation. For example, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and some other less serious arrhythmias are usually managed with medications or other non-invasive procedures. Defibrillation should only be performed by trained medical professionals using appropriate equipment, as improper use can lead to further harm to the patient.

DescriptionDefibrillation - 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.