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Asystole

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated April 03, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Asystole is the absolute standstill of the heart muscle. The lack of electrical activity in the heart muscle shows on an electrocardiogram (ECG) as a flat line. The lack of heart contractions is one cause of cardiac arrest.
Pronunciation: a-sis-toe-leeAudio Link
Also Known As: Flatline, cardiac standstill
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