The word "defibrillated" consists of four syllables: /diːˈfɪb.rɪ.leɪtɪd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, followed by a stressed "fi" with a short "i" sound, and ending with an unstressed "bril" with a short "i" sound. The second to the fourth syllables all have the "ayt" sound with "la" pronounced with a short "a". "Defibrillated" means to stop or correct an irregular heartbeat through the use of a defibrillator.
Defibrillated is an adjective that describes the action of restoring the normal rhythm of the heart through the use of a defibrillator. When a person experiences a cardiac arrest or a sudden, chaotic disruption of the heart's electrical activity, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called ventricular fibrillation. During this state, the heart muscles contract rapidly and irregularly, preventing the heart from effectively pumping blood to other vital organs.
In order to restore a regular heartbeat, medical professionals employ a device known as a defibrillator. The process of defibrillation involves delivering an electric shock to the heart, usually through paddles or electrodes placed on the patient's chest. This shock interrupts the chaotic electrical activity, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and establish a normal rhythm.
When someone is successfully defibrillated, it means that their heart has responded positively to the intervention, and its electrical activity has been reset to a regular pattern. This can be a critical and lifesaving procedure in emergency situations, such as in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillation aims to promptly restore blood circulation and oxygen supply to the body, preventing brain damage or death.
Overall, defibrillated refers to the successful application of a defibrillator to restore a normal heartbeat, helping to save lives in critical situations involving cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation.
The word "defibrillated" is derived from the combination of two components: "de-" and "fibrillated".
1. "De-" is a prefix that commonly means "reversal" or "undoing". It is often used before verbs to indicate removal, deprivation, or negation. In this case, "de-" implies reversing or stopping the condition of fibrillation.
2. "Fibrillated" is the past participle form of the verb "fibrillate". "Fibrillate" refers to an irregular, rapid, and uncoordinated contraction of muscle fibers, especially in the heart. When the heart is fibrillating, it is not functioning properly, and it often requires intervention to restore a normal rhythm.