Ventricular Fibrillation Question

[Manhattan]

I am just curious how ventricular fibrillation could occur in a seemingly healthy person who just had a perfect physical and no heart, cholesterol or blood pressure issues. We are in shock at my husband's co-workers sudden death. This was a very health conscious person. Of course, I can't help but feel vulnerable because of my pvcs. I know it would be very rare for pvcs to trigger this kind of fatal arrhythmia, but I guess the fact that the pvcs are in the ventricle scares me. Does anyone understand this better? Why don't pvcs lead to ventricular fibrillation?

[tickertock]

I extend my deepest sympathizes at the lost, no such event is as disheartening, distressing , frightening and alarming as when a an apparently healthy person dies suddenly.

Sometime a specific cause can not be identified though some underlying abnormality was probably present even if the initial autopsy did not pick it up.

These things happen, unfortunately no one is a 100% risk free. PVCs or not, the general concensus is that PVC s in normal heart poses no more increased risk of SCD than those without , in fact sometimes SCD is more noted in persons that have never complained of PVCs or other arrhythmias. may you and your friends be comforted in this time of sorrow & lost. God bless.

[Manhattan]

Tickertock, thank you for your kind words. Yes, it is scary when someone dies for no apparent reason. As far as we know, he had no irregular heartbeat or pvcs, or any other indication there was a problem. Certainly there must have been some abnormality present though. That is true, there are no guarantees for any of us. All the more reason to stop worrying about our pvcs and other arrhythmias and live life to the fullest each and every day :)

[LukeL]

Of course a normal physical in general can mean nothing unless very specific tests were ordered and completed. Some people could have a near 100% blockage in a coronary artery and show no outward symtpoms at all. Also certain myopathies, and other nonischemic heart conditions can be very difficult to detect, which is why pathologist who specialze in cardiology may be called in to investigate, when a seemingly healthy person dies of SCD.

[anacyde]

As my cardiologist says, "It's the stuff people are NOT aware of that we worry about," when advising a patient on why a Holter monitor was a good idea.

It's possible this person did have rhythm problems and just didn't know it.  You are aware that your rhythm is a common PVC issue and that you're otherwise fine.  While this news is sad and startling, remember that you are no more at risk now than you were before this happened.