Pulseless electrical activity

The electromechanical dissociation, synonymous electromechanical dissociation (EMD ) or pulseless electrical activity (PEA ) is a special form of cardiac arrest, in which despite the electrical activity of the heart does not eject service is provided in the form of a pulse. If left untreated, it leads to death within a short time.

The causes of emergence are often potentially reversible and can be treated successfully. Eligible reasons are: Acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism ( closure of pulmonary vessels), tension pneumothorax ( air pressure in the lungs), intoxication ( poisoning), drug abuse, cardiac tamponade ( accumulation of blood in the pericardium ), hypoxia (lack of oxygen ), potassium dysregulation ( hyperkalemia / hypokalemia), acid-base regulation disorder: acidosis ( acidosis ) or alkalosis, hypovolemia ( volume depletion ) or hypothermia ( hypothermia ).

A PEA should not be defibrillated. It is, at constant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first medicinally with epinephrine. It is the underlying cause has to be treated as far as possible. In the course of the use of an external pacemaker is in question.