Description: Junctional heart block is a type of heart block that occurs at the junction between the atria and the ventricles. This condition is characterized by a disruption in electrical conduction that occurs in the atrioventricular (AV) node, which is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. As a result, the heart rhythm can become irregular, potentially leading to a decrease in the heart’s pumping efficiency. There are different degrees of junctional block, ranging from first-degree block, where there is a delay in conduction, to third-degree block, where conduction is completely interrupted. Symptoms can vary from the absence of clinical manifestations to dizziness, fatigue, or even syncope in more severe cases. Diagnosis is typically made through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which allows visualization of the alterations in the heart’s electrical conduction. The significance of junctional heart block lies in its potential to cause serious complications, such as heart failure or arrhythmias, necessitating monitoring and, in some cases, medical or surgical treatment.
