Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

DDx

’CHEAPMD’ (mnemonic)

  • Cardiac tamponade
  • Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hypothermia, Hyperkalemia
  • Embolism (massive pulmonary embolism)
  • Acidosis
  • Pneumothorax (tension pneumothorax)
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Drug overdose, eg, tricyclic antidepressant, digoxin, beta blocker, calcium channel blocker

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Last updated: December 1, 2014