ASYSTOLE

asystole, cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest

(noun) absence of systole; failure of the ventricles of the heart to contract (usually caused by ventricular fibrillation) with consequent absence of the heart beat leading to oxygen lack and eventually to death

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

asystole (plural asystoles)

(pathology, cardiology) Absence of systole; failure of the heart to contract.

Synonyms

• cardiac arrest

• cardiopulmonary arrest

• flatline

Source: Wiktionary

A*sys"to*le, n. Etym: [Pref. a- not + systole.] (Physiol.)

Definition: A weakening or cessation of the contractile power of the heart.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition