The prevalence and prognosis of third‐degree atrioventricular conduction block: the Reykjavik Study

Abstract

Abstract. Kojic EM, Hardarson T, Sigfusson N, Sigvaldason H (National University Hospital and Heart Preventive Clinic, Reykjavik, Iceland). The prevalence and prognosis of third-degree atrioventricular conduction block: the Reykjavik Study. J Intern Med 1999; 246: 81±86.Objectives. The objectives of this study were to find the prevalence of third-degree atrioventricular block in representative population sample and to estimate its prognostic significance. Most earlier studies have been performed on hospital patients and some professional groups. Setting and subjects. In the Reykjavik Study, a prospective cardiovascular population study, 9139 men and 9773 women aged 33±79 years were examined in 1967±91. Electrocardiograms were taken and coded according to the Minnesota code.Third-degree atrioventricular block was found in 11 persons, seven male and four female, an overall prevalence of 0.04%. All of these individuals had signs of dysrhythmia on electrocardiograms taken later, and in addition some other heart disease. The heart block was temporary in seven individuals (64%); six (55%) needed a pacemaker. Conclusions. The prevalence of third-degree atrioventricular block in this general population was low. The block was temporary in the majority of subjects. All had some underlying heart disease, which may affect the prognosis more than the heart block. Fewer subjects than expected were found to need a pacemaker.

Temporary third-degree atrioventricular block in a case of apical ballooning syndrome

“…Degenerative changes in the AV node or bundle branches (e.g. fibrosis, calcification, infiltration) is the most common cause of non-ischemic AV block [4].…”

Epidemiology of Arrhythmias and Conduction Disorders in Older Adults

“…For the assessment of third-degree heart block, the Reykjavik Study prospectively evaluated 9139 men and 9773 women aged 33 – 79 years with baseline ECGs over a 24-year period. [28] Complete AV block was found in only 11 individuals (0.04%, mean age 55 years), and was transient in 7 (64%) of these 11 cases.…”

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dual-chamber pacemakers compared with single-chamber pacemakers for bradycardia due to atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome: systematic review and economic evaluation

“…The Reykjavik study, 8 a prospective cohort of individuals born in the first three decades of the twentieth century and followed up from 1967 to 1991, reported a prevalence of third degree (complete) AVB of 0.04%.…”