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Chapter: Medicine and surgery: Cardiovascular system

First degree atrioventricular block - Conduction disturbances

Atrioventricular block describes an alteration in the transmission of action potentials between the atria and the ventricles.

First degree atrioventricular block

 

Definition

 

Atrioventricular block describes an alteration in the transmission of action potentials between the atria and the ventricles. First degree block is a prolongation of the time required for AV transmission.

 

Aetiology

 

First degree block occurs occasionally in normal individuals but may follow rheumatic fever, ischaemic heart disease or digoxin toxicity. In the young it is often caused by high vagal tone. First degree block may progress onto other forms of heart block.

 

Clinical features

 

First degree atrioventricular block is asymptomatic.

 

Investigations

 

·         ECG shows a prolongation of the PR interval >0.2 seconds (one large square on a standard ECG) with QRS complexes following every P wave (see Fig. 2.11).

·        Digoxin level in patients on digoxin to exclude overdose.




Management

 

No treatment is required.


 

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Medicine and surgery: Cardiovascular system : First degree atrioventricular block - Conduction disturbances |


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