Flatline
Flatline is a term used in various contexts, primarily in medicine and popular culture. It generally refers to a state where there is no detectable electrical activity in a system that typically exhibits such activity.
Medical Context[edit | edit source]
In the field of medicine, a flatline is often associated with asystole, a condition where there is no electrical activity in the heart. This is typically observed on an electrocardiogram (ECG) as a flat, horizontal line, indicating the absence of cardiac electrical activity and, consequently, the absence of a heartbeat. Asystole is a critical condition that requires immediate medical intervention, often involving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Several factors can lead to asystole, including:
- Severe hypoxia
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypothermia
- Drug overdose
- Advanced heart disease
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment for asystole involves:
- Immediate initiation of CPR
- Administration of epinephrine
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause
Popular Culture[edit | edit source]
In popular culture, the term "flatline" is often used metaphorically to describe a complete cessation of activity or progress. It is frequently used in television, film, and literature to depict scenarios where a character's heart stops beating, often leading to dramatic resuscitation efforts.
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
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External Links[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD