High-grade AV Block

High-grade AV block is intermittent failure of atrial impulses to conduct to the ventricles (more than one consecutive P wave not conducted), a precursor to complete heart block. Clinical: dizziness, syncope (Stokes-Adams), bradycardia. Treatment: treat reversible cause (ischemia/drugs/electrolyte); permanent pacemaker for symptomatic or progressive high-grade block; avoid AV-nodal blockers.

Common Symptoms

Dizziness/syncope; bradycardia; intermittent dropped beats; risk of complete block

Causes and Pathogenesis

Degenerative/ischemic/inflammatory disease of AV node/His-Purkinje causes intermittent failure.

Treatment

Treat reversible cause; pacemaker for symptomatic/progressive; avoid AV-nodal blockers

Preventive Measures

Avoid excessive AV-nodal blockers; monitor.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology/EP department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.