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Asystole appears on the ECG as a flat trace and indicates a lack of electrical activity in the heart. Unfortunately, defibrillation cannot restore the work of the heart. Asystole can be temporary. We will then feel dizzy and sometimes even lose consciousness. What is asystole and what does it result from?
Asystole is one type of cardiac arrest. Heart contractions do not occur during asystole, therefore, defibrillation is ineffective in this case. If cardiac arrest occurs, doctors must restore it as soon as possible. The actions they take vary depending on the mechanism behind the detention. Check what to do in the case of asystole.
Assystolia – definition
The human heart produces and conducts electrical impulses that cause contractions and allow the heart to function normally. This phenomenon is called the electrical activity of the heart and it is recorded during an EKG examination.
If asystole occurs, the heart stops producing these impulses and the circulation stops. This is usually a consequence of abnormal heart rhythms such as:
- ventricular fibrillation,
- tachycardia
- electrical activity without pulse.
Normal ECG recording is 60-100 beats per minute. If there is asystole, there is one flat line on the ECG. In this case, before your doctor takes any other steps, first check that the ECG leads are securely attached and that the device is correctly positioned.
Asystole – symptoms
The symptom of asystole is:
- pulse atrophy;
- lack of breath;
- loss of consciousness.
Before cardiac arrest, you may experience fainting, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of weakness.
Assystolia – causes
Cardiac arrest can be caused by two groups of causes:
- primary causes – related to heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathy or genetic valve defects;
- secondary causes – are not directly related to the work of the heart. They result, for example, from the loss of a large amount of blood, lack of breath, e.g. as a result of drowning, or sudden and extensive injuries.
When diagnosing asystole, the doctor usually draws attention to such causes of cardiac arrest that can be reversed, such as pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, poisoning, injuries or too little blood volume.
Assystolia – proceedings
Restoration of cardiac arrest as a result of asystole requires the use of the standard BLS algorithm. This algorithm is used in every case of sudden cardiac arrest.
It consists in performing basic resuscitation activities by people in the vicinity of the injured person. First, you should take care of your own and the victim’s safety, call for help and only start CPR.
If possible, use a defibrillator. Remember that in the case of asystole, the use of a defibrillator is useless. After connecting to the ECG device, the recording is flat and the device will not perform defibrillation. In this case, keep on compressing the chest until help arrives.
The paramedic will perform more advanced life support procedures that are included in the ALS algorithm. These measures usually include the administration of necessary drugs, e.g. intravenous adrenaline.
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