Asystole

Asystole (pronounced: a-sis-toh-lee) is a medical term that refers to a state of no cardiac electrical activity, resulting in no cardiac output and therefore no pulse. This condition is also commonly referred to as a "flatline".

Etymology

The term "asystole" is derived from the Greek words "a-", meaning "without", and "systole", meaning "contraction".

Definition

Asystole is a cardiac arrest rhythm with no discernible electrical activity on the ECG. It is a lethal condition characterized by the absence of both electrical and mechanical activity of the heart.

Causes

Asystole can be caused by a number of factors, including severe cardiac disease, significant electrolyte abnormalities, or a profound hypoxia. It can also be a result of a cardiac arrest.

Treatment

The primary treatment for asystole is CPR, along with administration of intravenous epinephrine and consideration of possible reversible causes.

Related Terms

• Cardiac arrest
• Electrocardiogram
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Epinephrine
• Hypoxia
• Cardiac disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Asystole
• Wikipedia's article - Asystole

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