Clinical examination should not be forgotten when assessing the level of 2/1 AV block

Int J Cardiol. 2009 Mar 6;132(3):e111-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.08.033. Epub 2007 Nov 26.

Abstract

The authors underline the importance of carrying out a simple clinical examination to assess the level of two-to-one auriculoventricular block before any invasive electrophysiological procedures are performed. Clinical examination can indeed easily distinguish between the two different prognostic entities, represented by nodal and infra-nodal atrioventricular block. This initial evaluation of the severity of conduction disorders, as soon as the patient arrives at the emergency department or attends a consultation, may be greatly helpful in selecting the most appropriate management of those patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrioventricular Block / diagnosis*
  • Atrioventricular Block / physiopathology
  • Disease Management
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Examination*