What is a type of fibrillation that is not compatible with life?

Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles. This disorganized electrical activity prevents the heart from effectively pumping blood, leading to a loss of pulse and subsequently causing cardiac arrest if not treated immediately. The heart does not contract in a coordinated manner, which means that vital organs, including the brain, become deprived of oxygenated blood.

In contrast, the other arrhythmias listed, such as atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, and supraventricular tachycardia, can cause symptoms and potential complications, but they are typically not immediately life-threatening in the same way that ventricular fibrillation is. Atrial fibrillation can lead to increased risk for stroke but does not cause the heart to stop beating. Therefore, ventricular fibrillation stands out as the arrhythmia that is not compatible with life without urgent intervention.