It is a type of slow arrhythmia characterized by a complete interruption of electrical conduction between the chambers of the heart. There is an electrical disconnection between atria and ventricles.
There are reversible and irreversible causes; more than half of the cases are related to myocardial fibrosis due to previous infarctions, which affects the cardiac electrical conduction system. The most frequent reversible causes are medications and alterations in the concentration of ions in the blood (mainly potassium).
It may be symptomless, but usually causes fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of consciousness and sudden cardiac arrest.
It is diagnosed by clinical history, physical examination and an electrocardiogram.
Treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms, vital signs, response to initial treatment and identification of potentially reversible causes. Medication may be used to accelerate the heart rate or the implantation of a transient pacemaker in the most severe cases. It will resolve completely after placement of a permanent pacemaker.
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