What are common causes of ventricular asystole?

• A. Acute Myocardial Infarction, ventricular rupture, cocaine use
• B. Heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension
• C. Sepsis, infection, hemorrhage
• D. Cholesterol buildup, obesity, smoking

Answer: (A)

Ventricular asystole, often referred to as asystole, is characterized by the absence of electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to a lack of cardiac output. The correct answer highlights acute medical conditions that can lead to this critical situation.

Acute myocardial infarction is a significant cause because it can damage the myocardium, leading to impaired conduction and ultimately resulting in asystole. Ventricular rupture can occur as a complication of myocardial infarction, further disrupting normal heart activity. Additionally, cocaine use can provoke severe cardiac events, including ischemia and arrhythmias, which may culminate in ventricular asystole due to its effect on the cardiovascular system.

Other options mentioned do not directly link to the immediate electrical inactivity of the heart. Heart disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension constitute risk factors for general cardiac dysfunction but are not immediate triggers for asystole. Similarly, sepsis and infection can lead to a range of cardiovascular complications but do not specifically cause asystole. Conditions related to cholesterol buildup, obesity, and smoking are also chronic risk factors rather than acute causes of asystole. Hence, the first option effectively identifies acute events that can lead to the absence of cardiac electrical activity.