Commotio cordis is characterized by which arrhythmia?

Commotio cordis is characterized by which arrhythmia?

• A. Ventricular tachycardia
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Ventricular fibrillation
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (C)

Commotio cordis happens when a blunt hit to the chest occurs during a vulnerable moment of the heartbeat, triggering chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles. That chaotic activity is ventricular fibrillation, where the ventricles quiver and fail to pump effectively, leading to sudden collapse and the need for immediate defibrillation. Ventricular tachycardia is a fast but more organized rhythm and can sometimes be compatible with some perfusion, but commotio cordis classically produces disorganized VF. Atrial fibrillation is an atrial rhythm disturbance and isn’t caused by a chest impact in this context. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate from other mechanisms. So, the arrhythmia associated with commotio cordis is ventricular fibrillation.

Commotio cordis happens when a blunt hit to the chest occurs during a vulnerable moment of the heartbeat, triggering chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles. That chaotic activity is ventricular fibrillation, where the ventricles quiver and fail to pump effectively, leading to sudden collapse and the need for immediate defibrillation. Ventricular tachycardia is a fast but more organized rhythm and can sometimes be compatible with some perfusion, but commotio cordis classically produces disorganized VF. Atrial fibrillation is an atrial rhythm disturbance and isn’t caused by a chest impact in this context. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate from other mechanisms. So, the arrhythmia associated with commotio cordis is ventricular fibrillation.