Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
V-FIB
This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention to restore your heart to its normal rhythm
About VF
Ventricular fibrillation causes cardiac arrest and is a fatal event unless normal rhythm is quickly restored by a DC shock. It occurs in patients with heart disease such as heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, WPW syndrome or inherited electrical abnormalities.
Need to know
The symptom of VF is loss of consciousness.
Your consultant will first discuss with you your overall health and medical history. After this they may perform some tests, including:
- asking you for a description of symptoms
- performing a physical examination of your body
- checking vital signs, such as your blood pressure and resting pulse rate
- electrocardiogram to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity
The first response during an episode is cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the form of CPR. This will keep your blood flowing and return your heart to normal rhythm with a DC shock by a defibrillator.
After resuscitation, a full medical history, physical examination and full investigations of your heart will be made. This will include some or all of an ECG, echocardiogram, Holter monitor, cardiac MRI scan, coronary angiography and an EPS.
Your consultant may give you medication immediately following an episode to help you control and prevent a recurrence. They may prescribe additional medications to control arrhythmia and reduce your risk. Some drugs for other conditions increase the risk of VF so they may be stopped.
If, despite treatment, you are considered to be at increased risk of further episodes, you will receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.