First degree AV block: Difference between revisions
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==Evaluation== | ==Evaluation== | ||
Although First degree AV block is not very exciting for the emergency Physicians and usually it is left for the cardiologists to sort out as out patient. But getting past history of infections like Lyme's disease or inflammation like Lupus may be fruitful. Also it may prompt people to explore the history further about Myocarditis or Myocardial infarction in the patient. | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Revision as of 15:51, 29 October 2016
Background
First-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, or first-degree heart block, is defined as prolongation of the PR interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) to more than 200 msec(5 small squares on the EKG tracing). First-degree AV block is considered “marked” when the PR interval exceeds 300 msec(more than 7 small squares on the EKG tracing).
Clinical Features
Patients with first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block mostly are asymptomatic at rest and it is diagnosed by chance. Exercise may reveal decreased tolerance especially when there is markedly prolonged PR interval and with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It may also be the cause of syncope with transient high-degree AV block.
Differential Diagnosis
AV blocks
- First degree AV block
- Second degree
- Third degree AV block
- AV dissociation without complete heart block
Evaluation
Although First degree AV block is not very exciting for the emergency Physicians and usually it is left for the cardiologists to sort out as out patient. But getting past history of infections like Lyme's disease or inflammation like Lupus may be fruitful. Also it may prompt people to explore the history further about Myocarditis or Myocardial infarction in the patient.