Third-degree atrioventricular block

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Third-degree atrioventricular block
Other namesComplete heart block
12-lead ECG showing complete heart block
SpecialtyCardiology Edit this on Wikidata

Third-degree atrioventricular block (AV block) is a medical condition in which the nerve impulse generated in the sinoatrial node (SA node) in the atrium of the heart can not propagate to the ventricles.[1]

Because the impulse is blocked, an accessory pacemaker in the lower chambers will typically activate the ventricles. This is known as an escape rhythm. Since this accessory pacemaker also activates independently of the impulse generated at the SA node, two independent rhythms can be noted on the electrocardiogram (ECG).

  • The P waves with a regular P-to-P interval (in other words, a sinus rhythm) represent the first rhythm.
  • The QRS complexes with a regular R-to-R interval represent the second rhythm. The PR interval will be variable, as the hallmark of complete heart block is lack of any apparent relationship between P waves and QRS complexes.


People with third-degree AV block typically experience severe bradycardia (an abnormally low measured heart rate), hypotension, and at times, hemodynamic instability.[2]


Leads I and II demonstrating complete AV block. Note that the P waves are not related to the QRS complexes (PP interval and QRS interval both constant), demonstrating that the atria are electrically disconnected from the ventricles. The QRS complexes represent an escape rhythm arising from the ventricle.
Atrial tachycardia with complete A-V block and resulting junctional escape

Many conditions can cause third-degree heart block, but the most common cause is coronary ischemia. Progressive degeneration of the electrical conduction system of the heart can lead to third-degree heart block. This may be preceded by first-degree AV block, second-degree AV block, bundle branch block, or bifascicular block. In addition, acute myocardial infarction may present with third-degree AV block.

An inferior wall myocardial infarction may cause damage to the AV node, causing third-degree heart block. In this case, the damage is usually transitory. Studies have shown that third-degree heart block in the setting of an inferior wall myocardial infarction typically resolves within 2 weeks.[3] The escape rhythm typically originates in the AV junction, producing a narrow complex escape rhythm.

An anterior wall myocardial infarction may damage the distal conduction system of the heart, causing third-degree heart block. This is typically extensive, permanent damage to the conduction system, necessitating a permanent pacemaker to be placed.[4] The escape rhythm typically originates in the ventricles, producing a wide complex escape rhythm.

Third-degree heart block may also be congenital and has been linked to the presence of lupus in the mother.[5] It is thought that maternal antibodies may cross the placenta and attack the heart tissue during gestation. The cause of congenital third-degree heart block in many patients is unknown. Studies suggest that the prevalence of congenital third-degree heart block is between 1 in 15,000 and 1 in 22,000 live births.

Hyperkalemia in those with previous cardiac disease[6] and Lyme disease can also result in third-degree heart block.[7]


Atropine is often used as a first line treatment of a third-degree heart block in the presence of a narrow QRS which indicates a nodal block, but, may have little to no effect in an infra-nodal block.[8] Atropine works by reducing vagal stimulation through the AV node but will not be effective in those who have had a previous heart transplant.[9] Other drugs may be utilized such as epinephrine or dopamine which have positive chronotropic effects and may increase the heart rate.[10] Treatment in emergency situations can involve electrical transcutaneous pacing in those who are acutely hemodynamically unstable and can be used regardless of the persons level of consciousness.[11] Sedative agents such as a benzodiazapine or opiate may be used in conjunction with transcutaneous pacing to reduce the pain caused by the intervention.[10][11]

In cases of suspected beta-blocker overdose, the heart-block may be treated with pharmacological agents to reverse the underlying cause with the use of glucagon. In the case of a calcium channel blocker overdose treated with calcium chloride and digitalis toxicity may be treated with the digoxin immune Fab.[12]

Third-degree AV block can be treated more permanently with the use of a dual-chamber artificial pacemaker.[13] This type of device typically listens for a pulse from the SA node via lead in the right atrium and sends a pulse via a lead to the right ventricle at an appropriate delay, driving both the right and left ventricles. Pacemakers in this role are usually programmed to enforce a minimum heart rate and to record instances of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, two common secondary conditions that can accompany third-degree AV block. Since pacemaker correction of third-degree block requires full-time pacing of the ventricles, a potential side effect is pacemaker syndrome, and may necessitate use of a biventricular pacemaker, which has an additional 3rd lead placed in a vein in the left ventricle, providing a more coordinated pacing of both ventricles.

The 2005 Joint European Resuscitation and Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines[14] state that atropine is the first line treatment especially if there were any adverse signs, namely: 1) heart rate < 40 bpm, 2) systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg, 3) signs of heart failure, and 4) ventricular arrhythmias requiring suppression. If these fail to respond to atropine or there is a potential risk of asystole, transvenous pacing is indicated. The risk factors for asystole include 1) previous asystole, 2) complete heart block with wide complexes, and 3) ventricular pause for > 3 seconds. Mobitz Type 2 AV block is another indication for pacing.

As with other forms of heart block, secondary prevention may also include medicines to control blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce risk factors associated with heart attack and stroke.


Early treatment of atrioventricular blockade is based on the presence and severity of symptoms and signs associated with ventricular escape rhythm. Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate medication and in most cases temporary pacing to increase heart rate and cardiac output.

Once the patient is hemodynamically stable, a potentially reversible cause should be evaluated and treated. If no reversible cause is identified, a permanent pacemaker is inserted.[citation needed] Most stable patients have persistent bradycardia-related symptoms and require identification and treatment of any reversible cause or permanent permanent implantable pacemaker.

Reversible causes of complete AV block should be ruled out before the insertion of a permanent pacemaker, such as drugs that inhibit myocardial ischemia and hyperkalemia.

Complete atrioventricular block in acute myocardial infarction should be treated with temporary pacing and revascularization.[citation needed]

Complete atrioventricular block caused by hypercalcemia should be treated to lower serum potassium levels and patients with hypothyroidism should also receive thyroid hormone.[citation needed]

If there is no reversible cause, the clear treatment of complete atrioventricular block is mostly permanent pacemaker placement.[citation needed]


The prognosis of patients with complete heart block is generally poor without therapy. Patients with 1st and 2nd degree heart block are usually asymptomatic.[15]

See also[edit]


  1. ^ "ECG Conduction Abnormalities". Retrieved 2009-01-07.
  2. ^ "Heart Block". NHS Choices. National Health Service (UK). Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  3. ^ Sclarovsky, S; Strasberg, B; Hirshberg, A; Arditi, A; Lewin, RF; Agmon, J (July 1984). "Advanced early and late atrioventricular block in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction". American Heart Journal. 108 (1): 19–24. doi:10.1016/0002-8703(84)90539-8. PMID 6731277.
  4. ^ Dorney, E (September 1981). "The role of pacemaker therapy in acute myocardial infarction". Primary care. 8 (3): 509–17. PMID 7031733.
  5. ^ Brucato, A; Previtali, E; Ramoni, V; Ghidoni, S (September 2010). "Arrhythmias presenting in neonatal lupus" (PDF). Scandinavian journal of immunology. 72 (3): 198–204. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3083.2010.02441.x. PMID 20696016.
  6. ^ Sohoni A, Perez B, Singh A (2010). "Wenckebach Block due to Hyperkalemia: A Case Report". Emerg Med Int. 2010: 879751. doi:10.1155/2010/879751. PMC 3200192. PMID 22046534.
  7. ^ Forrester, JD; Mead, P (October 2014). "Third-degree heart block associated with lyme carditis: review of published cases". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 59 (7): 996–1000. doi:10.1093/cid/ciu411. PMID 24879781.
  8. ^ Tintinalli's emergency medicine : a comprehensive study guide. Tintinalli, Judith E.,, Stapczynski, J. Stephan,, Ma, O. John,, Yealy, Donald M.,, Meckler, Garth D.,, Cline, David, 1956- (Eighth ed.). New York. p. 123. ISBN 9780071794763. OCLC 915775025.CS1 maint: others (link)
  9. ^ "Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block (Complete Heart Block) Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Initial Management Considerations, Atropine and Transcutaneous/Transvenous Pacing". 2018-07-05. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. ^ a b Oxford textbook of critical care. Webb, Andrew R. (Andrew Roy),, Angus, D. C. (Derek C.), 1962-, Finfer, Simon,, Gattinoni, Luciano,, Singer, Mervyn, (Second ed.). Oxford. pp. 730–735. ISBN 9780199600830. OCLC 954059445.CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  11. ^ a b Rosen's emergency medicine : concepts and clinical practice. Walls, Ron M.,, Hockberger, Robert S.,, Gausche-Hill, Marianne, (Ninth ed.). Philadelphia, PA. p. 959. ISBN 9780323390163. OCLC 989157341.CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  12. ^ "Atrioventricular block, Treatment Options". BMJ Best Practice. BMJ (British Medical Journal). Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  13. ^ Dretzke, J.; et al. "Compared to single chamber ventricular pacemakers, dual chamber pacemakers may reduce the incidence of complications in people with sick sinus syndrome and atrioventricular block". Cochrane reviews. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  14. ^ "Peri-arrest arrhythmias". Resuscitation guidelines. Resuscitation Council UK. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  15. ^ Edhag O, Swahn A (1976). "Prognosis of patients with complete heart block or arrhythmic syncope who were not treated with artificial pacemakers. A long-term follow-up study of 101 patients". Acta Med Scand. 200 (6): 457–63. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1976.tb08264.x. PMID 1015354.

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