Pulseless electrical activity

Pulseless electrical activity is a clinical diagnosis of cardiac arrest in which a heart rhythm is observed on the electrocardiogram that should be producing a pulse, but is not. Possible causes are remembered as the 6 Hs (Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ions (acidosis), Hyper/Hypo-kalemia, Hypoglycemia, Hypothermia) and the 6 Ts (Tablets/Toxins, cardiac Tamponade, Tension pneumothorax, Thrombosis/PE/MI, Tachycardia, Trauma). CPR is the first-line management while underlying causes are investigated and treated. The prognosis is poorer than in ventricular fibrillation.