Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is the chaotic depolarization of the ventricles with high rates of contractions. There are numerous potential causes, though primary cardiac etiology (ie MI, scarring) is the most common cause. Because of the nature of ventricular fibrillation, the EKG will show chaotic and irregular deflections without any particular patterns at high rates (150-500bpm). There will be no identifiable classic waves (ie no P wave, QRS, etc). Ventricular fibrillation can be course or fine. Course ventricular fibrillation shows larger fibrillatory waves, whereas fine has small fibrillatory waves. Oftentimes, ventricular fibrillation starts as course and becomes fine as it progresses. One should not diagnose ventricular fibrillation on a 12-lead EKG (should be notable on the monitor).

Examples:

Further Reading:

https://litfl.com/ventricular-fibrillation-vf-ecg-library/

http://hqmeded-ecg.blogspot.com/search/label/Ventricular%20Fibrillation