Advanced Atrioventricular Block in Acute Myocardial Infarction

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Abstract
Eighteen patients developed A-V block as a complication of acute myocardial infarction; the A-V block was complete in 15. By ecg, the infarction was inferior in each instance. Six patients died during hospitalization. In those who recovered, the advanced A-V block subsided spontaneously within 6 days. Thus the effect of steroid therapy would be difficult to evaluate. No patient had evidence of idioventricular rhythm during complete A-V block and only one had syncope. Intravenous isuprel or electronic pacing of the heart is seldom required. The mortality from this complication is high, but if the patient survives, the A-V block is unlikely to be permanent.