Etymed
atrioventricular block
Definition
A cardiac conduction abnormality where electrical impulses are partially or completely blocked between the atria and ventricles
Clinical context
A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with dizziness and fatigue. His ECG shows P waves that are not followed by QRS complexes, with a regular atrial rate of 80 beats per minute and a regular ventricular rate of 40 beats per minute. The patient is diagnosed with third-degree AV block and requires temporary pacemaker insertion.
Mnemonic
A-V block = Atrial-Ventricular block; remember 'A' for atrial impulses and 'V' for ventricular response - when they don't connect, it's a block
These morphemes also unlock…
- atri/o — atrium
- ventricul/o — ventricle
- ular — relating to
- block — obstruction