What is ​Heart Block?

Also known as: atrioventricular block, AV block, bradycardia, arrhythmia, abnormal heart rhythm

Heart block is a problem that occurs with the heart’s electrical system. This system controls the speed and the rhythm of the hearts’ beats. Heart block occurs when an electrical signal is  slowed or is disrupted. For example a heart that beats too slowly, also known as bradycardia, is one potential cause of heart block. The block can either be a complete or partial and there are three types: first degree, second degree and third degree, with third degree being the most severe.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM