Atrioventricular block: Stimulus conduction disturbance from the atrium to the ventricular muscles. A form of cardiac arrhythmia that occurs frequently and originates in the AV node. This results in a reduced transmission of the natural driving impulses (excitations) of the sinus node to the ventricles. AV block is one of the cardiac conduction disorders. The AV block only transmits the electrical drive impulses inadequately to the heart chambers. The transition is partially or even completely blocked. If there is a partial blockage, then it is a known as first or second-degree AV block. In the case of a complete blockage, one speaks of 3rd-degree AV block or "total" AV block. A doctor can accurately determine these different disorders with an ECG. Partial blockage of the main conduction pathway results in a slowed heartbeat sequence. In most cases, this condition needs to be treated with medication. However, if the conduction from the atria to the ventricles is completely interrupted, the ventricles begin to beat in their own rhythm. However, this "ventricular rhythm" is often so slow that a sufficient blood supply is no longer guaranteed. In this case, an artificial pacemaker must then be inserted into the patient.
