1. Pay Attention to Early-Warning Symptoms
Many incidences of ventricular fibrillation (VF)--an extremely abnormal heart rhythm that can cause cardiac arrest and proves to be fatal up to 75 percent of the time--occur without any warning. Some people do experience early-warning signs that signal to them that something is not right with their hearts. Such individuals are considered lucky, because they can get the appropriate medical attention that can save their lives. If you feel dizzy, have a hard time breathing, feel that your heart is fluttering quickly rather than beating, or have chest pain or nausea, call 911 or your local emergency phone number right away. People who show signs of VF usually have an episode within an hour or so of their first symptoms.
2. Detect a Disorganized Heartbeat
If you are in the midst of an episode of ventricular fibrillation, you will quickly become unconscious and non-responsive, because the flow of oxygen to your brain and heart has been blocked. People around you may not be able to find your heartbeat when they try. In the event that your heartbeat can be located, it may be very weak and wildly unsteady. An abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia is sometimes referred to as a "disorganized heartbeat" when speaking about VF.
3. Undergo Electrocardiography
Patients who are suspected of having ventricular fibrillation must immediately be transported to an emergency medical facility for treatment, which can include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and external defibrillation to shock the heart back into a normal beating pattern. Early intervention can help prevent brain damage, or even death in some cases. While you are being treated, you may be placed on an electrocardiography machine to measure your heartbeat. This is the most effective way to diagnose your heart arrhythmia, and helps your doctor determine the cause of your episode.
