This rhythm can be recognized by the following characteristics:
Second-degree AV block (Type 2) is clinically significant for because this rhythm can rapidly progress to complete heart block
Treatment:
- Non-conducted p-waves (electrical impulse conducts through the AV node but complete conduction through the ventricles is blocked, thus no QRS)
- P-waves are not preceded by PR prolongation as with second-degree AV block (Type 1)
- Fixed PR interval
- The QRS complex will likely be wide
- The QRS on an ECG will most likely be wide because the block occurs in the His bundle or bundle branches and conduction through the ventricles is slowed
Second-degree AV block (Type 2) is clinically significant for because this rhythm can rapidly progress to complete heart block
Treatment:
- Immediate transcutaneous pacing or transvenous pacing
- Atropine may be attempted if immediate TCP is not available or time is needed to initiate TCP