Ventricular fibrillation and flutter
ICD-10 I49.0 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of ventricular fibrillation and flutter.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular flutter are life-threatening arrhythmias characterized by rapid, disorganized electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to ineffective heart contractions and cessation of blood flow. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as palpitations, syncope, or sudden cardiac arrest. The anatomy involved includes the ventricles of the heart, specifically the myocardium, which is responsible for pumping blood. Disease progression can be rapid, with VF often occurring in the context of underlying heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or following a myocardial infarction. Diagnostic considerations include the use of electrocardiography (ECG) to confirm the presence of VF or flutter, alongside clinical assessment of the patient’s hemodynamic status. Immediate intervention is critical, often requiring defibrillation and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols to restore normal rhythm and prevent mortality.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
I49.0 covers ventricular fibrillation and ventricular flutter, which are characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to ineffective heart contractions. These conditions are often associated with acute coronary syndromes, cardiomyopathies, and other heart diseases.
I49.0 should be used when the patient presents with documented ventricular fibrillation or flutter, particularly in acute settings. It is important to differentiate from atrial arrhythmias (I48) and other ventricular arrhythmias (I49.1, I49.2) based on the ECG findings and clinical presentation.
Documentation for I49.0 should include the patient's clinical presentation, ECG results confirming ventricular fibrillation or flutter, treatment provided (e.g., defibrillation), and any underlying conditions contributing to the arrhythmia.
