Ventricular Fibrillation Prevention

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting ventricular fibrillation, take the following steps:

• Lower your risk of CAD:
  • Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • If you are overweight, lose weight.
  • Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.
• Avoid or limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that may contribute to arrhythmias or heart disease.
• Avoid unnecessary stress, and try to manage or control stressful situations that cannot be avoided.

If a person is at high risk of ventricular fibrillation, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be surgically placed in the chest to help prevent ventricular fibrillation. In addition, anti-arrhythmic drugs may be given to prevent a future episode.