When the heart is in asystole, there is no electrical activity or movement. This indicates that the heart isn't beating. It is often referred to as a flatline. Everyone experiences asystole when they pass away. However, some circumstances increase the probability of it occurring quickly. Certain kinds of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, are one of them. Asystole can also be caused by genetics or a heart condition that runs in the family.
The last rhythm of a cardiac arrest is asystole. Someone in cardiac arrest might have:
No response
No breathing
No pulse
Loss of consciousness
Any illness that results in cardiac arrest can produce asystole. Asystole has several frequent causes, including:
Low oxygen level
Blood clots in the heart or lungs
Toxins
Loss of blood
High or low potassium levels
High level of acids in the body
Very low body temperature
Blood or fluid around the heart
Heart attack
Cardiac arrest with no heart activity.
Asystole is part of cardiac arrest, which is a medical emergency where every second matters. While it is only possible to confirm asystole with an electrocardiogram, the treatment for cardiac arrest is the same regardless of the cause. Data indicate that less than 2% of people with asystole survive.
Asystole treatment includes:
High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is considered the treatment mainstay; this can keep the blood flowing through the body.
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
Get the answers you need, all in one place. Explore expert-written blogs, browse our extensive FAQs for quick answers to common concerns, or use our Symptom Checker for preliminary insights.
Need in-depth details? Our Disease Directory provides comprehensive information to help you understand conditions better.
Whatever you're looking for, we’re here to support your health journey, seamlessly and effortlessly.
Reviewed Blogs & Medical Guidelines
and Diseases Explained