What is the medical term for the absence of contractions of the heart?

Asystole is the medical term that describes the absence of electrical activity in the heart, resulting in no contractions. This condition indicates a state where the heart fails to produce any heartbeat, commonly associated with cardiac arrest and indicating a critical medical emergency. In asystole, there is a flatline on the electrocardiogram (ECG), which signifies that there is no cardiac output and, therefore, no blood flow to the body.

Ischemia refers to a reduction in blood flow to tissues, often leading to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism. While it can lead to heart attacks or angina, it is not the direct absence of heart contractions. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to various complications but still involves contractions, albeit in an unorganized manner. Arrhythmia encompasses a broad range of irregular heartbeats, including both fast and slow rhythms, but does not specifically refer to the total absence of contractions.