Related Experiment Videos

Atrioventricular conduction variability in coronary patients

Miha Arnol1, Vito Starc, Rado Starc

  • 1Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. miha.arnol@mf.uni-lj.si

Journal of Electrocardiology
|December 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery disease reduces atrioventricular (AV) conduction variability. Patients with stable coronary artery disease showed decreased PR interval variability, indicating potential conduction issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Atrioventricular (AV) conduction variability is documented in healthy individuals.
  • Data on AV conduction variability in coronary artery disease patients are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess atrioventricular (AV) conduction variability in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
  • To compare AV conduction variability between coronary artery disease patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Measured beat-to-beat PR interval variability using 5-minute resting high-resolution electrocardiogram recordings.
  • Included 30 men with stable coronary artery disease (effort angina) and 30 age-matched controls.
  • Assessed coronary artery disease severity via coronary angiography.

Main Results:

  • Coronary patients exhibited significantly lower PR interval variability than controls (P <.001).
  • The relative PR variability (PRPP) index was significantly higher in coronary patients (P =.001).
  • PRPP index correlated with the degree of coronary artery disease.

Conclusions:

  • Stable coronary artery disease is linked to diminished beat-to-beat fluctuations in AV conduction.
  • An elevated relative PR variability index suggests inhomogeneous AV conduction in coronary atherosclerosis.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle01:25

Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle

The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...