What is the most common fatal rhythm seen in myocardial infarction?

Prepare for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Board Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your board exam!

In the context of myocardial infarction, the most common fatal rhythm, which is often seen in patients experiencing this condition, is ventricular fibrillation (V-fib). This is a chaotic electrical activity in the heart that leads to ineffective contraction and, consequently, the heart's inability to adequately pump blood.

During a myocardial infarction, the heart muscle can become ischemic, meaning it does not receive enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen can disrupt the normal electrical conduction system of the heart, leading to arrhythmias. V-fib frequently occurs in the early stages of a myocardial infarction, especially in the first few hours, when the heart is most vulnerable.

While atrial fibrillation can occur in the setting of myocardial infarction, it is not typically fatal in the short term as it does not usually lead to sudden cardiac death. On the other hand, ventricular tachycardia may occur but often leads to V-fib if it persists. Asystole is a state where there is no electrical activity in the heart, but while it is a fatal rhythm, it is less common as a first presentation during a myocardial infarction compared to V-fib. This context is essential because while other rhythms can be associated with infarction, V

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