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Asystole Symptoms

The heart (otherwise known as the myocardium) is a primary organ that distributes or pumps blood throughout the circulatory system so that other vital organs, muscles and tissue may function. The myocardium also receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and passes blood that needs more oxygen to the lungs. It performs these functions and others through chambers and valves that are within the heart walls. There are four chambers, each with its own job to perform.

  1. The Chambers and Valves

    • The heart is a hollow, cone-shaped, muscular pump divided into four sections. The two upper chambers are known as the atria, which receive blood from the veins. The lower chambers, known as the ventricles, pump blood out of the heart and into the arteries. Veins bring blood to the heart and arteries move blood away from the heart. A thin wall within the heart separates the atria and ventricles, and valves that open and close allow for movement of the blood.

    Asystole Symptoms

    • Asystole is the most severe form of heart attack.This happens when a lower chamber fails to contract. Without contraction, blood does not flow and usually death follows. Asystole occurs when there is no electrical activity supporting the heart, and it fails to perform. This may occur because of a severe stroke, near drowning or failure of the ventricles to pump blood, which is called ventricular fibrillation. When ventricular fibrillation occurs, medical professionals use a defibrillator in attempts to jump-start the heart. Portable defibrillators are now being seen in many areas where many people are gathered, such as an airport or stadium. These defibrillators come with easy-to-read directions and have saved thousands of people who would have otherwise have died.

    Warning Signs

    • The symptoms are a hard and fast tightening of the chest wall and no pulse or breathing. Survival statistics for asystole are extremely low. In a study and tracking of asystole patients, only 10 percent of 1,635 patients survived after admission to a hospital, and only 2 percent survived to the time of discharge. Asystole may be considered something like a tornado. It is quick, devastating and terminal for those in its path.

    Prevention

    • Once a tornado forms and touches down, it is impossible to stop. The same holds true for asystole. Of course, there are certain things you can do to minimize your chances of asystole. If you smoke, stop. Eat a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. Exercise to elevate your heart rate slowly about three times per week, and above all else, visit your physician for a full physical exam.

    Some Final Words

    • No matter what you call it--asystole, sudden cardiac failure, ventricular fibrillation or just the old-fashioned heart attack--it is usually fatal, it attacks women more often than men, and people with high blood pressure and diabetes are highly susceptible. While no one can prevent a tornado, you can build a shelter, so take adequate precautions that are well documented and recommended by your physician.

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