Atrioventricular Block (Nursing)

Atrioventricular (AV) conduction is evaluated by assessing the relationship between the P waves and QRS complexes. Normally, there is a P wave that precedes each QRS complex by a fixed PR interval of 120 to 200 milliseconds. AV block represents a delayed electrical impulse from the atria to the ventricles. This can be due to an anatomical or functional impairment in the heart’s conduction system. This disruption in normal electrical activity can be transient or permanent. In general, there are three degrees of AV nodal blocks: first degree, second degree (Mobitz type 1 or 2), and third-degree.[1][2][3]

At this time, there is no well-characterized large study about the relationship between different types of AV block with age, race, or gender. AV block is sometimes seen in athletes and in patients with congenital heart disorders.