What can happen if electrical current flows through the heart?

When electrical current flows through the heart, it has the potential to disrupt the normal electrical signals that regulate heartbeat. This disruption can lead to a condition known as fibrillation. Fibrillation is a chaotic, irregular heart rhythm that can prevent the heart from pumping effectively, which may result in serious consequences, including cardiac arrest.

The heart relies on precise electrical impulses to maintain a steady rhythm; if these impulses are altered by an external electrical current, it can lead to these erratic rhythms. Fibrillation can occur in either the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) or the ventricles (the lower chambers), with ventricular fibrillation being particularly life-threatening. Understanding this risk is crucial for anyone involved in the field of electrical work, as it highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent accidental electrocution and its severe effects on the cardiovascular system.