Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Ventricular fibrillation epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
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
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]