How Do You Spell ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK?

1. Atrioventricular block, commonly abbreviated as AV block, refers to an abnormality in the electrical conduction system of the heart that disrupts the normal transmission of signals between the atria and the ventricles. This condition occurs when the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat encounter difficulty passing through the atrioventricular node (AV node), which is responsible for conducting signals from the upper chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

   An atrioventricular block can be classified into different degrees, depending on the severity of the conduction impairment. In first-degree atrioventricular block, the delay in electrical conduction is minimal, resulting in a prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram but still allowing all impulses to reach the ventricles. In second-degree atrioventricular block, some impulses fail to be conducted from the atria to the ventricles, leading to periodic skipped beats or irregularities in the heartbeat. This is further divided into Type 1, or Mobitz I/Wenckebach, and Type 2, or Mobitz II, AV block. Lastly, in third-degree atrioventricular block, also known as complete heart block, there is a complete interruption of the electrical conduction between the upper and lower chambers, resulting in an independent and usually slower ventricular rhythm.

   Symptoms of atrioventricular block can range from mild, including dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations, to more severe, such as fainting, chest pain, and heart failure. Treatment options primarily depend on the type and severity of the block, and may include medication, pacemakers, and in extreme cases, surgery.

Common Misspellings for ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK

The term "Atrioventricular Block" is composed of two main parts: "atrio" and "ventricular" which refer to the atria and ventricles of the heart, respectively, and "block" which indicates an obstruction or interruption of the electrical conduction system of the heart.

The word "atrio" comes from the Latin "atrium", meaning "entrance hall" or "forecourt". In the context of the heart, it refers to the two upper chambers of the heart, namely the left atrium and the right atrium.

On the other hand, "ventricular" is derived from the Latin word "ventriculus", which means "small belly" or "cavity". In relation to the heart, it specifically refers to the two lower chambers, which are the left ventricle and the right ventricle.