asystolism
|a-sys-to-lism|
/əˈsɪstəˌlɪzəm/
absence of heart contraction/electrical activity
Etymology
'asystolism' originates from Greek elements: the prefix 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'systolē' meaning 'contraction' (systole), combined with the suffix '-ism' (from Greek/Latin) used to denote a condition.
'asystolism' developed via medical Latin/modern medical formation from New Latin 'asystolia' and the Greek components ('a-' + 'systolē'), and entered English usage alongside related terms such as 'asystole' and 'asystolia'.
Initially it referred simply to the 'absence of systole (contraction)'; over time the term has come to denote the clinical condition of cardiac arrest characterized specifically by absent electrical and mechanical heart activity.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a medical condition characterized by the absence of any electrical activity in the heart, resulting in no ventricular contraction (a 'flatline'); cardiac arrest with no detectable heartbeat.
Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts, the patient remained in asystolism and could not be revived.
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Noun 2
(clinical usage) The state or condition of having asystole; used to refer to episodes or instances of absent cardiac activity.
The monitor recorded multiple brief episodes of asystolism during the night shift.
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Last updated: 2025/10/29 16:26