What are the phases of ventricular fibrillation?

The correct answer highlights the phases of ventricular fibrillation as the electrical phase, circulatory phase, and metabolic phase.

In a cardiac arrest scenario involving ventricular fibrillation, the electrical phase occurs immediately, characterized by the disorganized electrical activity in the heart that prevents effective pumping. This phase lasts for a few minutes, during which defibrillation is most likely to be successful.

Following this, the circulatory phase begins after a few minutes. In this phase, the absence of effective blood flow leads to increased cellular death and ischemia. It’s during this time that the chances of successful resuscitation decline if definitive measures such as defibrillation are not taken.

The metabolic phase follows, which can begin around 10 minutes after the onset of cardiac arrest. During this phase, the body’s tissues are in a state of acidosis and require extensive time and intervention to restore function, given the severe metabolic derangements that occur.

Together, these phases underscore the sequence of physiological changes that occur during ventricular fibrillation, emphasizing the urgent need for prompt and effective resuscitative measures at each stage. This knowledge is essential for providing timely and appropriate care during cardiac emergencies.