Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a cardiac arrhythmia in which there is a disturbance in the conduction of the electrical stimulus between the different chambers of the heart, atria and ventricles. In second-degree AVB, one or more atrial stimuli are not conducted to the ventricles (not all P waves are followed by QRS on the electrocardiogram).
There are two types: type I (Mobitz I or Wenckebach) and type II (Mobitz II).
In second-degree Mobitz I or Wenckebach AVB, there is a progressive lengthening of the passage time of the electrical stimulus from the atria to the ventricles (increased PR interval), until a beat is blocked and does not lead to the ventricles.
It can occur in healthy subjects and athletes without underlying cardiac disease. Among the most frequent causes are congenital diseases and previous cardiac surgery.
- Nadas`s Pediatric Cardiology. 2.a edición. Keane JF et al.Philadelphia: Saunders-Elsevier; 2006. p. 477-524.
- Park MK. Cardiología pediátrica. 5.ª edición. Barcelona: Elsevier-Masson; 2008. p. 417-57
- Hanash CR, Crosson JE. Emergency diagnosis and management of pediatric arrhythmias. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2010;3:251-60
- Recognition and management of bradycardia. In: Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual, Chameides L, et al (Eds), American Heart Association, Dallas 2011. p.113.
- Mangrum JM, DiMarco JP. The evaluation and management of bradycardia. N Engl J Med 2000; 342:703

