What condition is indicated by a complete cessation of cardiac output?

The condition indicated by a complete cessation of cardiac output is asystole. Asystole refers specifically to the absence of electrical activity in the heart, leading to no contractions and, consequently, no blood being pumped out of the heart. This state is often characterized by a flatline on an electrocardiogram (ECG), signaling that the heart is not functioning as it should.

In contrast, bradycardia, tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation all involve some level of cardiac activity, albeit at varying rates and rhythms. Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, while tachycardia indicates a faster than normal heart rate. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can increase the risk of stroke and heart-related complications, but it still involves the heart's ability to contract and produce cardiac output, albeit inefficiently. Therefore, asystole is uniquely characterized by the absence of any cardiac output.