What is the Difference Between AFIB and VFIB and SVT?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib), ventricular fibrillation (VFib), and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are three different types of heart rhythm disorders, each with distinct characteristics:

1. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): AFib is a heart rhythm problem where the heart's upper chambers (the atria) beat irregularly. It affects the atria and can lead to complications such as stroke. AFib is more common than VFib, with as many as 6 million people in the U.S. having AFib.
2. Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): VFib is a condition that affects the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) and can be more dangerous than AFib. It occurs when the ventricles quiver instead of beating, preventing the heart from effectively pumping blood. VFib is a medical emergency that can cause cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.
3. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): SVT is a fast heart rate that begins in the atria due to abnormal electrical connections in the heart. It can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest tightness, racing heart sensation, and lightheadedness. SVT is more common in infants and young people and is also more likely to occur in women.

While these conditions have some similarities, such as abnormal heart rhythms and the potential for severe symptoms, they differ in the specific chambers of the heart they affect and their severity.

Comparative Table: AFIB vs VFIB vs SVT

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), Ventricular Fibrillation (VFIB), and Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) are three different types of arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms. Here is a table comparing the differences between these three conditions:

Both AFib and SVT are types of supraventricular tachycardia, meaning the problem occurs above the ventricles. AFib is caused by irregular electrical activity in the atria, mainly the right atrium, while SVT is due to abnormal electrical connections in the atria. VFIB, on the other hand, produces irregular electrical signals in the lower chamber heart muscles (ventricles) and is life-threatening, requiring immediate treatment.

In summary, AFib and SVT are both arrhythmias originating in the upper chambers of the heart, with AFib characterized by an irregular heartbeat and SVT by a fast heart rate. VFIB, however, occurs in the lower chambers of the heart and is a life-threatening condition that must be treated immediately.