AV block

A disorder of cardiac conduction characterized by delayed or interrupted impulse transmission from the atria to the ventricles through the AV node or His-Purkinje system, resulting in varying degrees of bradycardia and atrioventricular dissociation.

Causes

• Age-related tissue degeneration

• Coronary heart disease

• Infections: Lyme disease, myocarditis, endocarditis

• Autoimmune disorders (SLE)

• Medication side effects: β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, amiodarone