Reversible Causes of Atrioventricular Block

Chiara Pavone; Gemma Pelargonio

doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2023.03.004

Reversible Causes of Atrioventricular Block

Cardiol Clin. 2023 Aug;41(3):411-418. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2023.03.004.

Authors

Chiara Pavone¹, Gemma Pelargonio²

Affiliations

¹ Cardiovascular Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy.
² Cardiovascular Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy; Cardiology Institute, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: gemma.pelargonio@policlinicogemelli.it.

PMID: 37321691
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2023.03.004

Abstract

Atrioventricular blocks may be caused by a variety of potentially reversible conditions, such as ischemic heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, medications, and infectious diseases. Such causes must be always ruled out to avoid unnecessary pacemaker implantation. Patient management and reversibility rates depend on the underlying cause. Careful patient history taking, monitoring of vital signs, electrocardiogram, and arterial blood gas analysis are crucial elements of the diagnostic workflow during the acute phase. Atrioventricular block recurrence after the reversal of the underlying cause may pose an indication for pacemaker implantation, because reversible conditions may actually unmask a preexistent conduction disorder.

Keywords: Atrioventricular block; Bradycardia; Pacemaker implantation; Reversibility.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Atrioventricular Block* / diagnosis
Atrioventricular Block* / etiology
Atrioventricular Block* / therapy
Electrocardiography
Humans
Myocardial Ischemia*
Pacemaker, Artificial* / adverse effects