Flatline
Flatline
Flatline (pronounced: /ˈflætlaɪn/) is a term used in medicine to describe the state of absence of heart rhythm in an individual. It is often associated with cardiac arrest and is considered a medical emergency.
Etymology
The term "flatline" is derived from the appearance of the line on an electrocardiogram (ECG) where there is no electrical activity in the heart, resulting in a flat line.
Definition
A flatline or asystole is a state where there is no cardiac electrical activity, leading to no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. Asystole is one of the conditions required for a medical practitioner to certify death.
Related Terms
- Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to pump effectively.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.
- Myocardium: The muscular tissue of the heart.
- Asystole: The absence of ventricular contractions in the context of a lethal heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia).
Pronunciation
Flatline is pronounced as "flat-line". The first syllable "flat" rhymes with "cat", and the second syllable "line" rhymes with "fine".
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flatline
- Wikipedia's article - Flatline
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