The word "asystolic" is pronounced /ā-sə-'stä-lik/. It comes from the medical term "asystole," which refers to the absence of a heartbeat or cardiac arrest. The added "-ic" suffix indicates that it is an adjective form of the noun. The word is spelled with a "y" sound in the pronunciation despite lacking the letter "y," as the "s" in "sy" represents a "z" sound in Greek. Overall, "asystolic" is a technical term used in medicine to describe a serious condition where the heart stops beating.
Asystolic is an adjective used in medical terminology to describe a state of asystole. Asystole refers to the complete absence of any electrical or mechanical activity in the heart, resulting in a lack of cardiac contractions and subsequent cessation of blood circulation. It is often referred to as a "flatline" on an electrocardiogram (ECG) due to the absence of any discernible waves or electrical impulses.
When a person is asystolic, it means that their heart has ceased to beat, and there is no detectable blood flow or pulse. This condition is considered a medical emergency as it can lead to life-threatening consequences if not promptly reversed.
Asystolic cardiac arrest is typically caused by severe cardiac conditions such as advanced coronary artery disease, massive heart attack, or severe arrhythmias. It can also occur as a result of trauma, drug overdose, or other underlying health issues.
Immediate resuscitation efforts are required to restore the heart's function and reestablish blood flow. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support interventions, such as defibrillation and administration of medications, are crucial in attempting to revive a patient from an asystolic state.
Overall, the term "asystolic" is used to describe a critical state in which the heart has stopped beating, the absence of electrical or mechanical activity within the heart, and the absence of blood circulation.
1. Relating to asystole. 2. Not systolic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "asystolic" is derived from the medical term "asystole".
"Asystole" comes from the Greek prefix "a-" meaning "without" or "lack of", and the Greek word "systolḗ", which means "contraction" or "compression".
Therefore, "asystole" in medicine refers to the absence of myocardial contractions in the heart, known as cardiac arrest. "Asystolic" is an adjective form of this term, used to describe situations or conditions related to asystole.