Fibrillation can be caused by what primary electrical condition?

Fibrillation is a serious medical condition that can occur when the heart's electrical activity is disrupted. Alternating current (AC) is particularly dangerous because it can cause the heart to go into a chaotic rhythm, known as ventricular fibrillation. This is primarily due to the way AC interacts with the body's electrical systems.

The frequency of the alternating current plays a significant role; currents in the range of 50-60 Hertz, which are commonly found in household electricity, are especially capable of causing this dangerous effect. The alternating nature of AC can lead to muscle contractions, including the heart muscles, causing disorganized heartbeats. This is why it is classified as a significant risk factor for inducing fibrillation when there is exposure to electrical sources.

Direct current (DC) can also be harmful, but it typically leads to muscle contraction rather than the chaotic heart rhythms associated with AC. Low voltage and high frequency do not directly correlate with the same risk of inducing fibrillation as alternating current does, making AC the primary concern in this context.