Pulseless

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Pulseless

Pulseless (/pʌls.lɪs/), derived from the Latin word "pulsus" meaning "beat", is a medical term used to describe the absence of a detectable pulse in an individual. This condition is often associated with cardiac arrest or other serious cardiovascular conditions.

Definition

Pulseless refers to the state where no heartbeat can be felt or detected through palpation at any of the body's major pulse points. These points include the carotid artery, brachial artery, radial artery, femoral artery, popliteal artery, posterior tibial artery, and dorsalis pedis artery.

Causes

The most common cause of a pulseless state is cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating effectively. Other causes can include severe hypotension, shock, hypothermia, and certain arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

Treatment

Treatment for a pulseless individual typically involves immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures, including the use of defibrillation and administration of specific medications.

Related Terms

  • Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to effectively pump.
  • Defibrillation: A treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation.
  • Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure.
  • Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.

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