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]]. | |||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Revision as of 18:49, 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. 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.