AV block is a medical condition in which the electrical signals between the heart chambers are delayed or blocked. The spelling of AV block is represented phonetically as ˈeɪ vi blɑk in IPA. The term AV block stands for atrioventricular block, and it can be classified into first, second, or third degree depending on the degree of electrical impairment. This condition can be caused by various factors, including aging, heart disease, and medication side effects. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of AV block.
AV block, also known as atrioventricular block, is a cardiac condition characterized by a delay or interruption in the electrical signals between the upper chambers (atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. It refers to a disruption in the conduction system that normally coordinates the timing and rhythm of heartbeats.
In a healthy heart, electrical impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the natural pacemaker, travel through the atrioventricular (AV) node, and then spread throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood. However, in AV block, there is a malfunction in this conduction pathway, leading to a delay or complete blockage of the impulses.
AV block is often categorized into three degrees, based on the severity of the condition. First-degree AV block involves a delay in the conduction but still allows each impulse to pass through to the ventricles. Second-degree AV block involves intermittent blockages where some impulses reach the ventricles while others are blocked. Third-degree AV block, also known as complete heart block, occurs when none of the impulses from the atria can reach the ventricles, establishing a complete disconnection between them.
Symptoms of AV block may vary depending on the degree and underlying cause, ranging from no noticeable symptoms to dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, fainting episodes, and even chest pain in severe cases. Treatment options often include medications such as pacemakers, which help regulate the heart's electrical signals and stimulate proper ventricular contractions, ensuring an adequate blood supply to the body.
The term "AV block" in medicine stands for "atrioventricular block", which is a condition that occurs when the electrical signals between the atria (upper chambers of the heart) and the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) are delayed or blocked.
The etymology of "atrioventricular" can be broken down as follows:
- "Atrio" comes from the Latin word "atrium", which means "entrance hall" or "main chamber". In this context, it refers to the atria of the heart.
- "Ventricular" is derived from the Latin word "ventriculus", meaning "little belly" or "cavity". It relates to the ventricles of the heart.
Therefore, "atrioventricular" literally means "relating to the atria and ventricles". The term "AV block" is an abbreviation of this longer phrase.