Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

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...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Chambers of the Heart01:16

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Relative Efficacy of Sacubitril-Valsartan, Vericiguat, and SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Cardiovascular drugs and therapy·2020
Same author

A new option for monitoring heart failure. First experience in Spain with CardioMEMS.

Medicina clinica·2020
Same author

Trends in Short- and Long-Term ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Prognosis Over 3 Decades: A Mediterranean Population-Based ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Journal of the American Heart Association·2020
Same author

Previously Undetected Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation.

The American journal of cardiology·2020
Same author

Short-term changes in left and right systolic function following ferric carboxymaltose: a substudy of the Myocardial-IRON trial.

ESC heart failure·2020
Same author

Author Correction: Empagliflozin improves post-infarction cardiac remodeling through GTP enzyme cyclohydrolase 1 and irrespective of diabetes status.

Scientific reports·2020

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Interatrial blocks. A separate entity from left atrial enlargement: a consensus report.

Antonio Bayés de Luna1, Pyotr Platonov, Francisco G Cosio

  • 1Institut Català Ciències Cardiovasculars, Barcelona, Spain. abayes@csic-icc.org

Journal of Electrocardiology
|August 28, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Interatrial block, a delay in electrical signal conduction between the atria, is increasingly recognized. This electrocardiographic pattern is linked to atrial fibrillation and increased mortality risk.

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Diagnostic Electrocardiography

Background:

  • Interatrial block (IAB), a delay in conduction between the atria, is often associated with left atrial enlargement (LAE).
  • While not always individually detailed in textbooks, IAB encompasses various P-wave abnormalities.
  • IAB is frequently observed alongside LAE, mirroring the relationship between ventricular enlargement and block.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the concept of interatrial block as a distinct electrocardiographic pattern.
  • To describe the different degrees of interatrial block and their diagnostic criteria.
  • To highlight the clinical significance and implications of interatrial block.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of electrocardiographic (ECG) P-wave characteristics to identify interatrial conduction delays.
  • Classification of interatrial block into first, second, and third degrees based on P-wave duration and morphology.
  • Review of existing evidence linking interatrial block patterns to atrial enlargement and arrhythmias.

Main Results:

  • Interatrial block is characterized by delayed conduction between the right and left atria, with three degrees identified: first (P-wave duration >120 ms), third (distinct P-wave morphology in inferior leads), and second (transient patterns).
  • Evidence supports these P-wave patterns as indicative of true block due to transient occurrence, absence of associated atrial enlargement, and experimental reproducibility.
  • First-degree IAB is common and associated with atrial fibrillation and increased cardiovascular mortality.
  • Third-degree IAB, though less frequent, strongly indicates LAE and paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, representing a distinct arrhythmological syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • Interatrial block is a significant electrocardiographic finding with important clinical implications.
  • First-degree IAB is a prevalent condition linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Third-degree IAB serves as a marker for LAE and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, constituting a recognized arrhythmological syndrome.