Word parts
What it means
A state in which muscle cells fire in a chaotic way. In the heart, atrial fibrillationAY-tree-ul fib-rih-LAY-shunAn irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)fibrill/o small fibers, quivering-ation processFull entry means the upper chambers quiver, so the heartbeat is irregular, and ventricular fibrillationven-TRIK-yuh-ler fib-ruh-LAY-shunA heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.ventricul/o ventricle-ar relating tofibrill small fiber, twitching-ation processFull entry means the lower chambers quiver and pump no blood, which is cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is an electric shock that stops the chaos so a normal rhythm can return.
For the nurse
Ventricular fibrillation needs CPR and a shock from a defibrillator right away. Atrial fibrillation raises the risk of stroke, so clients often take an anticoagulant.
At a glance
| Spanish | fibrilación |
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Related terms
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.
ventricular fibrillation
A heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.
automated external defibrillator
A portable device that checks the heart rhythm through pads on the chest and gives an electric shock if one is needed.