Risk factors

Things that may increase your risk of ventricular fibrillation include:

• A previous episode of ventricular fibrillation
• A previous heart attack
• A heart defect you're born with (congenital heart disease)
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
• Injuries that cause damage to the heart muscle, such as being struck by lightning
• Drug misuse, especially with cocaine or methamphetamine
• A severe imbalance of potassium or magnesium