Symptom 3: Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is another symptom that can indicate Ventricular Fibrillation. Dyspnea is not just feeling out of breath after exercise or exertion; it’s a disproportionate and distressing difficulty in breathing given the level of physical activity.
The sensation might be akin to having run a long distance when in reality, all you’ve done is walk a few steps. This disparity between physical activity and breathing difficulty can be quite stark. It can strike suddenly, leaving you gasping for breath, desperately trying to fill your lungs with air.
The underlying cause of this symptom in V-Fib is the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently. This affects the oxygenation of the blood and, subsequently, the oxygen supply to your body, leading to the sensation of breathlessness. It’s an alarming symptom, one that demands immediate medical attention. It’s especially critical if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as palpitations or chest discomfort. (3)
