It is a type of slow arrhythmia characterised by a complete interruption of electrical conduction between the heart chambers. There is an electrical break between the atria and the ventricles.
There are reversible and irreversible causes; more than half are associated with myocardial fibrosis due to previous infarctions affecting the cardiac conduction system. The most common reversible causes are drugs and changes in the concentration of ions in the blood (mainly potassium).
It can develop without symptoms, but usually causes fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of consciousness and sudden cardiac arrest.
It is diagnosed by a medical history, physical examination and electrocardiogram.
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, the patient's vital signs, the response to initial treatment and the identification of potentially reversible causes. Treatment may include drugs to increase the heart rate or, in the most severe cases, a temporary pacemaker. The problem is resolved once a permanent pacemaker is fitted.
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