As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an informed comparison between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ventricular fibrillation (VFib).
Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heartbeat, characterized by rapid and chaotic electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). While AFib can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, and other health issues, it is not typically life-threatening in the short term.
On the other hand, ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency. It is a condition where the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles) quiver chaotically, leading to a lack of effective contractions and blood flow. VFib is a form of
sudden cardiac arrest and is
life-threatening because it prevents the heart from pumping blood to the body. Without immediate treatment, such as defibrillation, VFib can lead to death within minutes.
In summary, while both conditions are serious,
ventricular fibrillation is more immediately dangerous and requires urgent medical attention.
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