What is the effect of Defibrillation?

Defibrillation primarily delivers an electrical shock to the heart, which is critical in the treatment of certain types of arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The shock disrupts the disorganized electrical activity of these arrhythmias, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and restore a normal rhythm.

This process is essential because, in cases of arrhythmia, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can lead to a lack of oxygenated blood flowing to vital organs. By delivering an electrical shock, defibrillation acts as a corrective measure to reset the heart's electrical system, making it a crucial intervention in cardiac emergencies.

While restoring blood flow, starting the heart beating again, and maintaining blood pressure can be outcomes of successful defibrillation, the immediate and direct function of defibrillation itself is the application of that electrical shock to correct the heart's rhythm.