It is a type of slow arrhythmia characterised by a complete interruption of electrical conduction between the heart chambers. There is an electrical interruption between the atria and the ventricles.
The most common causes in childhood are congenital heart disease, infections and heart surgery. It is also common in newborns whose mothers have lupus.
In newborns, it is characterised by a slow heartbeat. In childhood, the slow heartbeat may be accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, intolerance to exercise and loss of consciousness.
The diagnosis is made by a medical history, physical examination and an electrocardiogram.
To keep the heart rate close to the normal range, drugs that speed up the heartbeat are used and a pacemaker may be fitted.
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- Baruteau AE, Fouchard S, Behaghel A, et al. Characteristics and long-term outcome of non-immune isolated atrioventricular block diagnosed in utero or early childhood: a multicentre study. Eur Heart J 2012; 33:622.
