Definition of Shockable Rhythm

Shockable Rhythm

A shockable rhythm is a cardiac arrest rhythm that can be treated effectively with defibrillation — a controlled electric shock that stops the chaotic electrical activity and gives the heart a chance to resume an organized beat. The two shockable rhythms are ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

When a shockable rhythm is identified, rapid defibrillation combined with high-quality CPR offers the best chance of survival, and the time to first shock is a key determinant of outcome. This contrasts with non-shockable rhythms (asystole and pulseless electrical activity), which are not helped by a shock and are treated with CPR, epinephrine, and correction of reversible causes.

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Medical Definition & Meaning

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