Atrioventricular Dissociation

Updated: September 30, 2025

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image

Background

The condition known as atrioventricular (AV) dissociation occurs when the ventricles and atria function independently of one another.

The typical AV node, atria, and activation sinus node are no longer seen, followed by the His-Purkinje system that causes ventricular activation.

A subsidiary pacemaker in the AV node or the ventricle may overtake the sinus node for impulse initiation because the sinus node is slowing down, or a subsidiary location may beat more quickly than the sinus node causes AV dissociation.

In cardiac tissue, if the dominant pacemaker (the sinus node) slows down significantly, a subsidiary (latent) pacemaker may escape.

Without retrograde atrial capture, AV dissociation may result from a subsidiary pacemaker that activates at a quicker rate than the sinus node at the AV junction or below.

While AV block and AV dissociation can happen at the same time, AV dissociation does not necessarily mean AV block.

Complete heart block prevents the ventricles from being activated by the P waves, which stand for atrial conduction.

Types of AV dissociation

The two types of AV dissociation are: complete and incomplete.

When the atrial and ventricle rates are slower or identical to each other, then complete AV dissociation takes place.

Intermittent ventricular capture from the atria or intermittent atrial capture from the ventricles result in incomplete AV dissociation.

Due to separate atria and ventricles and a slower atrial rate than the ventricular rate, ventricular tachycardia can happen without retrograde atrial activation.

Epidemiology

All electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings show AV separation in 0.48% to 0.68% of cases.

In older individuals with concomitant degenerative cardiovascular disease, it is more common. The incidence is greater when combined with the incidence of total heart block.

Being asymptomatic and frequently temporary, its precise frequency in the general population is unclear.

Despite some factors showing greater rates in males, which indirectly increases incidence, there is no persistent sex preference.

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

Atrioventricular (AV) dissociation can be caused by either a reduced sinus node rate or an increased rate of a subsidiary pacemaker.

The use of certain medications including beta-blockers, digitalis, and calcium channel blockers may lead to slowing of the sinus node and cause a subsidiary pacemaker to activate in the ventricle or AV junction

After radiofrequency ablation of the slow route causing AV nodal re-entry tachycardia, AV dissociation is also observed, resulting in an AV junctional activation that is quicker than the activation of the sinus nodes.

Conditions involving anaesthesia and surgery that raise catecholamine levels might cause the subsidiary pacemaker to activate more quickly.

Etiology

Junctional rhythm and tachycardia happen more quickly than the sinus rate in non-paroxysmal junctional tachycardia when there is no retrograde atrial capture.

An escape junctional rhythm can also be produced by long post ectopic cycles. The time cycle of the sinus nodes is reset by a regular sinus beat followed by an early ventricular beat.

A junctional escape beat, or rhythm may ensue if the sinus impulse takes longer than normal to activate. Since the sinus node activates far more slowly than the junctional escape rhythm, this might cause AV separation.

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

The severity of the underlying issue producing the AV separation may affect the prognosis, which is typically favourable.

Since removing the etiology resolves the issue, the prognosis is favourable for situations where AV dissociation may be iatrogenic.

Most of the time, AV dissociation is harmless. Any negative consequences are linked to AV dyssynchrony, bradycardia that results, or underlying medical issues.

Clinical History

Clinical History:

Collect details including chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical and allergy history of patients.

Physical Examination

Cardiovascular Examination

Respiratory Examination

Abdominal Examination

Neurological Examination

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Acute symptoms are:

Rapid deterioration, sudden complete heart block with syncope in atrioventricular dissociation

Chronic symptoms are:

Bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, chest pain

Differential Diagnoses

Bundle Branch Reentry Ventricular Tachycardia

Orthodromic Tachycardia

Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia

Atrioventricular Block

Blocked Premature Atrial Complexes

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

Treatment Paradigm:

The underlying illness, the existence of hemodynamic instability, and the patient’s symptoms all influence how atrioventricular (AV) dissociation is treated.

Atrial pacing may be required for individuals with sinus bradycardia who are hemodynamically unstable.

Termination of the tachycardia is necessary if AV separation is caused by supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.

It may be acutely considered to increase the atrial rate using drugs like atropine or isoproterenol.

The objective is to lower the AV junctional rate and raise the sinus rate in patients with AV dissociation brought on by sinus node illness.

Slowing the junctional rate is the aim if there is an accelerated junctional rhythm.

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

After excluding reversible causes, individuals with complete heart block necessitate the installation of a pacemaker. The quickest method to establish cardiac pacing is through a transcutaneous pacemaker. If this proves unsuccessful in achieving both electric and mechanical capture, contemplating the use of a transvenous pacemaker becomes necessary.

Among the pacemaker options, the dual-chambered pacemaker stands out as the most prevalent and efficacious in addressing AV block. Recent research suggests that biventricular pacemakers exhibit superiority in diminishing the likelihood of future heart failure incidents arising from pacing.

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

Use of non-pharmacological approach for Atrioventricular Dissociation

The only way to stop AV dissociation is usually to get rid of any recognized triggers.

AV dissociation must be prevented by routine follow-up in the outpatient clinic, if a triggering factor has been identified and addressed.

Patient should follow adjustments such as moving furniture to improve accessibility or enhancing ventilation and lighting for health reasons.

The goal of environmental modification in healthcare and rehabilitation settings is frequently to remove obstacles and promote independence for those with impairments or chronic diseases.

Proper awareness about AV dissociation should be provided and its related causes with management strategies.

Appointments with cardiologist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort.

Use of Anticholinergic agents

Atropine:

Atropine inhibits cholinergic, postganglionic, and autonomic receptors in a competitive manner.

Use of Inotropic Agents

Dopamine:

It is an inotrope that can raise heart rate, cardiac output, and renal blood flow.

Use of Adrenergic agonist agents

Isoproterenol:

It may raise the sinus node rate to treat AV dissociation occurs due to the AV junction’s secondary pacemaker initiation in situations of severe bradycardia.

Use of Antidotes

Digoxin immune Fab:

Digoxin immunoglobulin fragment has a strong and specific affinity for digoxin and digoxin compounds.

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-atrioventricular-dissociation

Severe sinus bradycardia symptoms require a permanent pacemaker. If the issue is due to a junctional or ventricular tachycardia, then ablation is necessary.

use-of-phases-in-managing-atrioventricular-dissociation

In assessment phase, the goal is to collect comprehensive information about the patient’s condition.

In implementation phase, the goal is to carry out the planned interventions.

In supportive care and management phase, patients should receive required attention such as lifestyle modification and interventional procedures.

The regular follow-up visits with the cardiologist are scheduled to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response

Medication

Media Gallary

Content loading

Latest Posts

Atrioventricular Dissociation

Updated : September 30, 2025

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



The condition known as atrioventricular (AV) dissociation occurs when the ventricles and atria function independently of one another.

The typical AV node, atria, and activation sinus node are no longer seen, followed by the His-Purkinje system that causes ventricular activation.

A subsidiary pacemaker in the AV node or the ventricle may overtake the sinus node for impulse initiation because the sinus node is slowing down, or a subsidiary location may beat more quickly than the sinus node causes AV dissociation.

In cardiac tissue, if the dominant pacemaker (the sinus node) slows down significantly, a subsidiary (latent) pacemaker may escape.

Without retrograde atrial capture, AV dissociation may result from a subsidiary pacemaker that activates at a quicker rate than the sinus node at the AV junction or below.

While AV block and AV dissociation can happen at the same time, AV dissociation does not necessarily mean AV block.

Complete heart block prevents the ventricles from being activated by the P waves, which stand for atrial conduction.

Types of AV dissociation

The two types of AV dissociation are: complete and incomplete.

When the atrial and ventricle rates are slower or identical to each other, then complete AV dissociation takes place.

Intermittent ventricular capture from the atria or intermittent atrial capture from the ventricles result in incomplete AV dissociation.

Due to separate atria and ventricles and a slower atrial rate than the ventricular rate, ventricular tachycardia can happen without retrograde atrial activation.

All electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings show AV separation in 0.48% to 0.68% of cases.

In older individuals with concomitant degenerative cardiovascular disease, it is more common. The incidence is greater when combined with the incidence of total heart block.

Being asymptomatic and frequently temporary, its precise frequency in the general population is unclear.

Despite some factors showing greater rates in males, which indirectly increases incidence, there is no persistent sex preference.

Atrioventricular (AV) dissociation can be caused by either a reduced sinus node rate or an increased rate of a subsidiary pacemaker.

The use of certain medications including beta-blockers, digitalis, and calcium channel blockers may lead to slowing of the sinus node and cause a subsidiary pacemaker to activate in the ventricle or AV junction

After radiofrequency ablation of the slow route causing AV nodal re-entry tachycardia, AV dissociation is also observed, resulting in an AV junctional activation that is quicker than the activation of the sinus nodes.

Conditions involving anaesthesia and surgery that raise catecholamine levels might cause the subsidiary pacemaker to activate more quickly.

Junctional rhythm and tachycardia happen more quickly than the sinus rate in non-paroxysmal junctional tachycardia when there is no retrograde atrial capture.

An escape junctional rhythm can also be produced by long post ectopic cycles. The time cycle of the sinus nodes is reset by a regular sinus beat followed by an early ventricular beat.

A junctional escape beat, or rhythm may ensue if the sinus impulse takes longer than normal to activate. Since the sinus node activates far more slowly than the junctional escape rhythm, this might cause AV separation.

The severity of the underlying issue producing the AV separation may affect the prognosis, which is typically favourable.

Since removing the etiology resolves the issue, the prognosis is favourable for situations where AV dissociation may be iatrogenic.

Most of the time, AV dissociation is harmless. Any negative consequences are linked to AV dyssynchrony, bradycardia that results, or underlying medical issues.

Clinical History:

Collect details including chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical and allergy history of patients.

Cardiovascular Examination

Respiratory Examination

Abdominal Examination

Neurological Examination

Acute symptoms are:

Rapid deterioration, sudden complete heart block with syncope in atrioventricular dissociation

Chronic symptoms are:

Bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, chest pain

Bundle Branch Reentry Ventricular Tachycardia

Orthodromic Tachycardia

Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia

Atrioventricular Block

Blocked Premature Atrial Complexes

Treatment Paradigm:

The underlying illness, the existence of hemodynamic instability, and the patient’s symptoms all influence how atrioventricular (AV) dissociation is treated.

Atrial pacing may be required for individuals with sinus bradycardia who are hemodynamically unstable.

Termination of the tachycardia is necessary if AV separation is caused by supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.

It may be acutely considered to increase the atrial rate using drugs like atropine or isoproterenol.

The objective is to lower the AV junctional rate and raise the sinus rate in patients with AV dissociation brought on by sinus node illness.

Slowing the junctional rate is the aim if there is an accelerated junctional rhythm.

After excluding reversible causes, individuals with complete heart block necessitate the installation of a pacemaker. The quickest method to establish cardiac pacing is through a transcutaneous pacemaker. If this proves unsuccessful in achieving both electric and mechanical capture, contemplating the use of a transvenous pacemaker becomes necessary.

Among the pacemaker options, the dual-chambered pacemaker stands out as the most prevalent and efficacious in addressing AV block. Recent research suggests that biventricular pacemakers exhibit superiority in diminishing the likelihood of future heart failure incidents arising from pacing.

Cardiology, General

The only way to stop AV dissociation is usually to get rid of any recognized triggers.

AV dissociation must be prevented by routine follow-up in the outpatient clinic, if a triggering factor has been identified and addressed.

Patient should follow adjustments such as moving furniture to improve accessibility or enhancing ventilation and lighting for health reasons.

The goal of environmental modification in healthcare and rehabilitation settings is frequently to remove obstacles and promote independence for those with impairments or chronic diseases.

Proper awareness about AV dissociation should be provided and its related causes with management strategies.

Appointments with cardiologist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort.

Cardiology, General

Atropine:

Atropine inhibits cholinergic, postganglionic, and autonomic receptors in a competitive manner.

Cardiology, General

Dopamine:

It is an inotrope that can raise heart rate, cardiac output, and renal blood flow.

Cardiology, General

Isoproterenol:

It may raise the sinus node rate to treat AV dissociation occurs due to the AV junction’s secondary pacemaker initiation in situations of severe bradycardia.

Cardiology, General

Digoxin immune Fab:

Digoxin immunoglobulin fragment has a strong and specific affinity for digoxin and digoxin compounds.

Cardiology, General

Severe sinus bradycardia symptoms require a permanent pacemaker. If the issue is due to a junctional or ventricular tachycardia, then ablation is necessary.

Cardiology, General

In assessment phase, the goal is to collect comprehensive information about the patient’s condition.

In implementation phase, the goal is to carry out the planned interventions.

In supportive care and management phase, patients should receive required attention such as lifestyle modification and interventional procedures.

The regular follow-up visits with the cardiologist are scheduled to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response

Free CME credits

Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

Digital Certificate PDF

On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.

medtigo Simulation

A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.

medtigo Points

medtigo points is our unique point redemption system created to award users for interacting on our site. These points can be redeemed for special discounts on the medtigo marketplace as well as towards the membership cost itself.
 
  • Registration with medtigo = 10 points
  • 1 visit to medtigo’s website = 1 point
  • Interacting with medtigo posts (through comments/clinical cases etc.) = 5 points
  • Attempting a game = 1 point
  • Community Forum post/reply = 5 points

    *Redemption of points can occur only through the medtigo marketplace, courses, or simulation system. Money will not be credited to your bank account. 10 points = $1.

All Your Certificates in One Place

When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.

Our Certificate Courses