What does the term fibrillation mean?

Fibrillation refers to a rapid, irregular heartbeat that can occur in various cardiac conditions, particularly in the atria or ventricles of the heart. This condition is indicated by chaotic electrical impulses that lead to ineffective heart contractions and a lack of blood flow.

The choice identifying fibrillation as a small, local, involuntary contraction of muscle does not accurately capture the medical definition, which primarily relates to the heart's rhythm rather than muscle contractions in a localized context. Therefore, the definition of fibrillation aligns specifically with the characteristic of a rapid and irregular heartbeat, distinguishing it from local muscle contractions. Understanding the correct definition is crucial, especially for those preparing for the Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) examination, as accurate medical terminology is essential in legal and medical documentation.