What is the most common cause of PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity)?

The most common cause of Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) is often identified as hypovolemia and hypoxia. Hypovolemia refers to a deficiency in the volume of circulating blood, which can lead to inadequate perfusion and result in a lack of effective cardiac output, even if electrical activity in the heart is present. This condition is frequently seen in scenarios of significant blood loss, severe dehydration, or major fluid shifts.

Hypoxia, the deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, can also contribute significantly to PEA. When the body's tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen, they cannot function properly, including the heart muscle, leading to ineffective contractions despite the electrical activity that may still be showing on an ECG.

These two conditions are essential to address quickly in a critical care setting, as resolving hypovolemia and restoring adequate oxygenation can potentially restore a functional heartbeat and improve the patient's chances of survival.