First degree AV block overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
First degree AV block is a disease of the [[electrical conduction system of the heart|electrical conduction system]] of the [[heart]] in which the [[PR interval]] is lengthened or prolonged. In first degree heart block, the disease is almost always at the level of the [[atrioventricular node]] ([[AV node]]). | First degree AV block is a disease of the [[electrical conduction system of the heart|electrical conduction system]] of the [[heart]] in which the [[PR interval]] is lengthened or prolonged. In first degree heart block, the disease is almost always at the level of the [[atrioventricular node]] ([[AV node]]). | ||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===Electrocardiogram=== | |||
In normal individuals, the [[AV node]] slows the conduction of electrical impulse through the heart. This is manifest on a surface EKG as the PR interval. The normal PR interval is from 120 milliseconds (ms) to 200 milliseconds (ms) in duration. This is measured from the initial deflection of the [[P wave]] to the beginning of the [[QRS complex]]. | |||
In first degree heart block, the diseased AV node conducts the electrical activity slower. This is seen as a [[PR interval]] greater than 200 milliseconds (ms) in length on the surface EKG. It is usually an incidental finding on a routine EKG. | |||
First degree heart block does not require any particular evaluation except for electrolyte and drug screens especially if an overdose is suspected. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 15:30, 4 February 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
First degree AV block is a disease of the electrical conduction system of the heart in which the PR interval is lengthened or prolonged. In first degree heart block, the disease is almost always at the level of the atrioventricular node (AV node).
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram
In normal individuals, the AV node slows the conduction of electrical impulse through the heart. This is manifest on a surface EKG as the PR interval. The normal PR interval is from 120 milliseconds (ms) to 200 milliseconds (ms) in duration. This is measured from the initial deflection of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex.
In first degree heart block, the diseased AV node conducts the electrical activity slower. This is seen as a PR interval greater than 200 milliseconds (ms) in length on the surface EKG. It is usually an incidental finding on a routine EKG.
First degree heart block does not require any particular evaluation except for electrolyte and drug screens especially if an overdose is suspected.