Atrioventricular block (AV block) is a medical condition that affects the heart’s electrical system, causing disruption or slowing of the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. The heart has four chambers, with the atria being the two upper chambers and the ventricles being the two lower chambers.
In a healthy heart, the electrical signals travel from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrium to the atrioventricular (AV) node, and then to the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood to the body.
In the Atrioventricular block, the electrical signals are delayed or blocked as they travel from the atria to the ventricles, resulting in a slower or irregular heartbeat. Depending on the severity of the blockage, the condition may be asymptomatic or can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
the Atrioventricular block can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, heart disease, medications, and congenital abnormalities. Treatment may involve medication or the placement of a pacemaker to regulate the heart’s electrical signals and maintain a regular heartbeat. The specific course of treatment will depend on the severity and underlying cause of the blockage.
