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Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

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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...
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Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:28

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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...
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ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

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

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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...
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Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

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Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
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Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers01:24

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers

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Adrenergic stimulation generally impacts cardiac rate and rhythm. Specifically, stimulation of the β-adrenoceptors triggers an increase in intracellular calcium ion influx and pacemaker currents, which may cause arrhythmias. Catecholamines like adrenaline also demonstrate β2-adrenoceptor-mediated hypokalemia, impacting cardiac action potential and disrupting the normal cardiac rhythm. Class II antiarrhythmic drugs are β-adrenoceptor antagonists or β-blockers, which...
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Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers01:20

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

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Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice
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Reversible Causes of Atrioventricular Block.

Chiara Pavone1, Gemma Pelargonio2

  • 1Cardiovascular Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy.

Cardiology Clinics
|June 15, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Reversible causes of atrioventricular block, like heart disease or medication issues, should be identified to prevent unnecessary pacemaker implantation. Prompt diagnosis and management are key for patient outcomes.

Keywords:
Atrioventricular blockBradycardiaPacemaker implantationReversibility

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Atrioventricular block (AV block) can stem from various reversible conditions.
  • Identifying these causes is crucial to prevent inappropriate pacemaker implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of ruling out reversible causes of AV block.
  • To guide diagnostic and management strategies for AV block.

Main Methods:

  • Review of potential reversible etiologies of AV block.
  • Highlighting diagnostic tools: patient history, vital signs, ECG, arterial blood gas analysis.
  • Discussing management based on underlying cause.

Main Results:

  • Reversible conditions like ischemic heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, medications, and infections can cause AV block.
  • Effective management and reversibility depend on the specific underlying cause.
  • Recurrence of AV block after reversal may indicate an underlying conduction disorder.

Conclusions:

  • Thorough diagnostic workup is essential to identify and treat reversible causes of AV block.
  • Avoiding unnecessary pacemaker implantation relies on addressing the root cause.
  • Persistent AV block after reversal suggests a pre-existing conduction abnormality.