What does asystole mean?
Asystole refers to a state of no cardiac electrical activity, resulting in no cardiac contractions and therefore no blood being pumped around the body. This condition is a type of cardiac arrest and is often identified by a flatline reading on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Asystole is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment, typically involving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other interventions to restore cardiac function. The term is primarily used in medical contexts and is an important concept in cardiology and emergency medicine.
nounAsystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, resulting in no cardiac contractions and therefore no blood being pumped around the body. It is a type of cardiac arrest.
- A state of no cardiac electrical activity.
- A type of cardiac arrest characterized by no cardiac contractions.
"The patient's ECG showed a flatline, indicating asystole, and the medical team immediately began CPR."
"The patient's heart stopped beating and fell into asystole."
"The doctor confirmed the patient's asystole and started emergency procedures."
The plural form is rarely used, but may be seen in medical literature or discussions of multiple cases.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of asystole
The term asystole originates from the Greek words 'a' (without) and 'systole' (contraction). In medical contexts, asystole refers to the absence of cardiac contractions. The term has been used in medical literature since the late 19th century to describe this specific type of cardiac arrest.
Usage notes
Asystole is a medical term typically used in formal or professional settings, such as in hospitals or medical literature.