Atrioventricular block is a heart condition where signals from the heart’s natural pacemaker are not routed correctly, causing a slow and/or irregular heartbeat. Treatment options include artificial pacing, and outcomes vary based on the severity of the blockage and the treatment provided. Symptoms may include nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and chest pain.
An atrioventricular block is a type of heart block, a condition in which pacing signals do not travel through the heart and as a result the ventricles do not contract or contract slowly. Atrioventricular blocks can be classified according to the degree of blockage, from first to third degree, with third degree blocks being the most severe. There are treatments available for patients with this condition, and treatment is usually supervised by a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating patients with heart problems. Outcomes for patients can vary considerably based on the treatment provided and the degree of blockage.
In a patient with atrioventricular block, signals from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart’s natural pacemaker, are not routed correctly through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This results in a delay in the signal that tells the ventricles of the heart to contract, causing the patient to have a slow and/or irregular heartbeat. Changes in heart rate can be seen on an electrocardiograph (ECG), a visualization of the electrical signals in the heart.
Patients with first degree AV block will simply experience a delayed ventricular contraction. Second-degree blocks cause ventricular contractions to become increasingly delayed until they don’t occur at all, restarting the heartbeat cycle. In a third degree block, the signal is completely blocked. Third-degree AV blocks can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Some patients may not experience any symptoms of an atrioventricular block. Others may develop symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and chest pain. A slow heart rate or bradycardia will be discernible during physical exams of the patient, allowing the doctor to identify the source of the symptoms. An ECG can be requested to learn more about what is happening inside the heart electrically, in order to develop a treatment plan appropriate to the patient’s needs.
When the heart’s natural pacemaker fails, the most common treatment is artificial pacing. In artificial pacing, a medical device is attached to the heart to deliver regular electrical signals, controlling heartbeats and addressing the blockage. Both external and internal stimulation options are available. Patients can discuss how pacing works and what types of devices may be right for them to decide on the best treatment for atrioventricular block. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the blockage and the cause.
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