Paroxysmal AV Block Natural History And Complications

Overview

Natural history most commonly includes recurrent unexplained syncope and presyncope. Complications such as sudden cardian death or indefinite periods of asystole may arise.

Natural History and Complications

• Paroxysmal AV Block is a poorly defined entity.
• The symptoms of paroxysmal AV block can develop at any age (with some studies suggesting a predominance in older individuals) and presents with symptoms such as recurrent unexplained syncope and presyncope, which further manifests on an ECG as intermittent and progressively increasing periods of asystole.
• Common complications of paroxysmal AV Block include asystole, complete AV Block and sudden cardiac death.
• Complications that can develop as a result of theophylline therapy are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irritability, hallucinations, arrhythmias, acute lung injury and seizures.
• Complications that can develop as a result of cardiac pacing are procedural, component or biophysical interface related. These include hemothroax, pneumothorax,acute thromboembolism, arrhythmia, pericarditis, device battery failure, pulse generator circuit failure, wound dehiscence, erosion, pain and infection.