Atrioventricular block 3rd degree

Last modified: 13 March 2022, 8:32:15 AM AEDT
Gems / Priorities1 / 8
  • 3D-AVB is often an emergency
  • Complete Heart Block

Definition / diagnostic criteria2 / 8
Aetiology / Causes / Risk Factors3 / 8
  • Cardiac
    • IHD, cardiomyopathy
  • Neuro
    • ⬆vagal tone
  • Renal
    • ⬆K
  • Drugs
    • BB, digoxin
  • Trauma
    • Cardiac surgery
  • Other
    • degenerative
    • congenital
Pathophysiology4 / 8
  • impaired AVN conduction
  • complete AVN block = complete AV dissociation = independent atrial and ventricular activity
  • atria and ventricles controlled by separate pacemakers
  • ventricular rate typically < 45 BPM
  • dissociation of P wave and QRS complex
  • QRS is not from P wave
  • QRS is an escape rhythm from ventricular pacemaker = wide complex ventricular escape rhythm
  • P wave = 60-80 bpm
  • QRS = 30-40 bpm
Signs / Examination5 / 8
  • ⬇BP
  • wide pulse pressure
  • canon JVP waves

Management6 / 8
  • cardiac pacing
    • transcutaneous
    • temporary wire
  • isoprenaline / adrenaline infusion

Anaesthetic considerations7 / 8
  • Pre-op
  • Intra-op
  • Post-op
Links / References8 / 8

https://www.healio.com/cardiology/learn-the-heart/ecg-review/ecg-topic-reviews-and-criteria/second-degree-av-block-type-ii-review