pulseless electrical activity

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pulseless electrical activity (electromechanical dissociation) n. the appearance of normal-looking complexes on the electrocardiogram that are, however, associated with a state of cardiac arrest. It is usually caused by large pulmonary emboli, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, severe disturbance of body salt levels, severe haemorrhage, or hypothermia causing severe lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.