Fibrillation is the rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized contraction of muscle fibers. An important occurrence is with regards to the heart.

Cardiology

There are two major classes of cardiac fibrillation: atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation.

• Atrial fibrillation can be a chronic condition, usually treated with anticoagulation and sometimes with conversion to normal sinus rhythm. This originates in the Atrium and an electrical impulse is "quivering" (fibrillation). An electrical pulse is given off, but is not the optimal way of sending an electrical pulse.

• Ventricular fibrillation is rapidly fatal if not reversed by defibrillation. No electrical impulse is given off in this form of dysrhythmia.

Fibrillation may sometimes be used after heart surgery to stop the heart from beating while any minor leaks are stitched up.

Noun

fibrillation (uncountable)

1. The rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized contraction of the muscle fibers of the heart.

• atrial fibrillation
• defibrillation
• ventricular fibrillation