Symptoms:

A person who has a VF episode will suddenly collapse or become unconscious, because the brain and muscles have stopped receiving blood from the heart.

The following symptoms may occur within 1 hour before the collapse:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

Signs and tests:

VF is an emergency condition. Seek immediate medical attention.

The pulse in the neck and groin area may be hard or impossible to feel. The person will be unresponsive.

The health care provider will listen to the heart with a stethoscope. The heartbeats may not be heard, or they may be very irregular.

A cardiac monitor will show a disorganized heart rhythm.