ventricular fibrillation (VF), a cardiac arrhythmia marked by rapid depolarizations of the ventricular myocardium. The condition is characterized by a complete lack of organized electric activity and of ventricular ejection. Blood pressure falls to zero, resulting in unconsciousness. Death may occur within 4 minutes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be initiated immediately, with defibrillation and resuscitative medications given according to advanced cardiac life support protocol.
