Ventricular fibrillation epidemiology and demographics
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the industrialised world. It exacts a significant mortality with approximately 70,000 to 90,000 sudden cardiac deaths each year in the United Kingdom, and survival rates are only 2%.[1] The majority of these deaths are due to ventricular fibrillation secondary to myocardial infarction, or “heart attack”. During ventricular fibrillation, cardiac output drops to zero, and, unless remedied promptly, death usually ensues within minutes.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the industrialised world.
- It exacts a significant mortality with approximately 70,000 to 90,000 sudden cardiac deaths each year in the United Kingdom, and survival rates are only 2%.[2]
- The majority of these deaths are due to ventricular fibrillation secondary to myocardial infarction, or “heart attack”. During ventricular fibrillation, cardiac output drops to zero, and, unless remedied promptly, death usually ensues within minutes.
References
References
- ↑ National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidelines 2000
- ↑ National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidelines 2000
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH