In resuscitation knowledge, what does the term 'asystole' refer to?

• A. A flatline with no electrical activity
• B. A fast rhythm
• C. Intermittent rhythm
• D. Ventricular tachycardia

Answer: (A)

Asystole means the heart has no electrical activity at all, which shows up on the ECG as a flat line and is accompanied by no pulse or effective blood flow. Because there is no electrical signal to reset, defibrillation isn’t indicated. Management focuses on high-quality CPR and medications like epinephrine to attempt to restore perfusion. This is different from rhythms with electrical activity that can be shocked, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, and from pulseless electrical activity, where there is electrical activity but the heart isn’t pumping effectively.