In the context of cardiac arrest, what does the acronym "PEA" stand for?

The acronym "PEA" stands for Pulseless Electrical Activity. This condition is characterized by the presence of organized electrical activity on an ECG without any effective mechanical heart function, meaning the heart is not able to pump blood, and there is no detectable pulse. PEA can occur in various scenarios, such as during or after a cardiac arrest, and it indicates a critical state where the heart is not effectively circulating blood, even though electrical signals are present.

Recognizing PEA is vital during resuscitation efforts because, despite the presence of electrical activity, immediate and appropriate interventions, such as high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rapid identification and treatment of the underlying cause, are necessary to restore effective circulation. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between PEA and other rhythms, as they require different approaches in terms of management and intervention during a cardiac event.