Asystole resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
Asystole is a state of no [[heart|cardiac]] electrical activity, hence no contractions of the [[myocardium]] and no cardiac output or blood flow. In asystole, the heart will not respond to [[defibrillation]] because it is already [[Depolarization|depolarized]]. | Asystole is a state of no [[heart|cardiac]] electrical activity, hence no contractions of the [[myocardium]] and no cardiac output or blood flow. Asystole is also known as a cardiac arrest rhythm in which there is no distinct electrical activity on ECG. A (flat line) is another acronym for asystole. In asystole, the heart will not respond to [[defibrillation]] because it is already [[Depolarization|depolarized]]. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Revision as of 18:58, 10 September 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mahmoud Sakr, M.D. [2]
Definition
Asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. Asystole is also known as a cardiac arrest rhythm in which there is no distinct electrical activity on ECG. A (flat line) is another acronym for asystole. In asystole, the heart will not respond to defibrillation because it is already depolarized.
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Asystole is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes. Life-threatening conditions can result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.