Atrioventricular block laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aarti Narayan, M.B.B.S [2], Edzel Lorraine Co, DMD, MD[3]

Laboratory studies are especially important to exclude reversible causes of atrioventricular block, for example electrolyte imbalances and medications.

• Serum levels of potassium, sodium and bicarbonates.
• Serum drug levels e.g digitalis.
• If acute myocardial infarction is the cause for current conduction disturbances, then troponin levels should be looked for.
• If thyroid dysfunction, infections or connective tissue disorders are responsible for heart block, then appropriate laboratory studies should follow.

CME Category::Cardiology