In which condition have both the electrical and mechanical activities of the heart stopped?

The condition in which both the electrical and mechanical activities of the heart have completely stopped is characterized as asystole. In asystole, there is no electrical activity detectable on an electrocardiogram (ECG), indicating that the heart is not contracting and there is no effective heartbeat. This results in no blood being pumped to the body, leading to a state of cardiac arrest.

In contrast, ventricular fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia involve either disorganized electrical activity or rapid heartbeats that do not allow full cardiac filling and emptying. These conditions may still have some degree of electrical activity, meaning the heart is not fully stopped, which differentiates them from asystole. Understanding these critical distinctions is vital for effective emergency response and treatment.