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Ventricular fibrillation - Prevention

Alternative Names

VF; Fibrillation - ventricular

Prevention:

An implantable defibrillator can help prevent future VF episodes in some patients. Others may need medicine to control the heartbeat.

Many public places and airplanes now have automated external defibrillators for use in an emergency. People may also buy these machines and keep them at home. Defibrillators have been proven to save lives. Another option for individual use is a defibrillator vest.

It is a good idea for family members and friends of VF survivors and patients with heart disease to take a CPR course. CPR courses are available through the American Red Cross, hospitals, or the American Heart Association.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/1/2010
  • Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Director, Northwestern Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Olgin JE, Zipes DP. Specific arrhythmias: diagnosis and treatment. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 35.

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