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fibrillation
fibrillation (fy-bril-ay-shŏn) n. chaotic electrical and mechanical activity of a heart chamber, which results in loss of synchronous contraction. The affected part of the heart then ceases to pump blood. atrial f. (AF) a common type of arrhythmia that results in a rapid and irregular pulse rate. The main causes are atherosclerosis, chronic rheumatic heart disease, and hypertensive heart disease. ventricular f. (VF) fibrillation that causes the ventricles to stop beating (see cardiac arrest). It is most commonly the result of myocardial infarction.
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"fibrillation." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "fibrillation." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-fibrillation.html "fibrillation." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-fibrillation.html |
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fibrillation
fibrillation Non-rhythmic and mechanically ineffective contractile activity in the heart muscle, associated with disordered electrical activity. Atrial fibrillation is not uncommon, and not in itself a serious threat: the heart can function without effective contraction of the atria, because the main pumps (ventricles) continue to beat effectively (though not regularly). But ventricular fibrillation stops the pump and is fatal, unless it can be promptly reversed.
Stuart Judge See defibrillator; heart; pacemaker. |
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Cite this article
COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "fibrillation." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "fibrillation." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-fibrillation.html COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "fibrillation." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-fibrillation.html |
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