Complete atrioventricular block and transvenous ventricular pacing
Jiang, W.P.
Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi 9(4): 280-283
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3758 PMID: 7341193 Document Number: 176455
The main etiologic types of complete atrioventricular block in 69 patients admitted to the hospital within 7 yr were idiopathic heart block (33.4%), ischemic heart disease (37.7%) and myocarditis (20.3%). The incidence of Adams-Stokes attacks among these cases was 61% on admission and during the hospital stay. The incidence was higher in cases with ventricular rate < 35 beats/min, age 50 yr location of the block below the bifurcation of His bundle and prolongation of QT interval. Hypokalemia was one of the important precipitating factors. The hospital death rate was 27% in 41 patients who refused cardiac pacing, being 50% in those > 50 yr of age. Of the 28 cases on transvenous ventricular pacing, none died of Adams-Stokes attack directly. Transvenous ventricular pacing is indicated in cases of complete atrioventricular block associated with Adams-Stokes syndrome.