COMPLETE H.BLOCK(3rd degree AV-block):
#DEFINATION:
complete heart block, there is complete absence of AV conduction – none of the supraventricular impulses are conducted to the ventricles.
Perfusing rhythm is maintained by a junctional or ventricular escape rhythm. Alternatively, the patient may suffer ventricular standstill leading to syncope (if self-terminating) or sudden cardiac death (if prolonged).
Typically the patient will have severe bradycardia with independent atrial and ventricular rates, i.e. AV dissociation.
#CAUSES:
The causes are the same as for Mobitz I and Mobitz II second degree heart block. The most important aetiologies are:
*Inferior myocardial infarction
*AV-nodal blocking drugs (e.g. calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, digoxin)
Idiopathic degeneration of the conducting system (Lenegre’s or Lev’s disease)