Interpretation of AV Heart Blocks:

Recognising Cardiac Deterioration

The presenter in this webinar will explain the significance of each heart block and discuss how the degrees of blocks relate to the seriousness of the block. Early signs of a heart block do not always activate the alarms. When a patient with a minor heart block is observed in an anterior MI, the damage is considered more extensive than an inferior MI and must be carefully monitored for further progression or deterioration. 
CPD HOURS: 1.5
 Registration Year 2024-2025

Course Content

Recognising heart blocks is an expected skill for all nurses monitoring patients, especially in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction. Anne developed this important webinar after numerous cardiac and emergency nurses' requests for assistance recognising heart blocks. 


The vital skill of recognising heart blocks allows the expert nurse to assess and respond to potential cardiac deterioration promptly. All nurses monitoring patients after an acute myocardial infarction are aware of the potential for the development of AV heart blocks, as cardiac ischaemia is the leading cause of these conduction blocks.


The presenter in this webinar will explain the significance of each heart block and discuss how the degrees of blocks relate to the seriousness of the block. Early signs of a heart block do not always activate the alarms. When a patient with a minor heart block is observed in an anterior MI, the damage is considered more extensive than an inferior MI and must be carefully monitored for further progression or deterioration. The alarms on the monitor will not detect this small change. It is the nurse's skill at recognising these blocks that changes the outcome for patients.


With an inferior MI, the damage to the conduction systems may be transient and may resolve. However, the presenter will discuss the importance of nurses recognising that even a minor heart block in a patient with an anterior MI may be potentially more dangerous if treatment is not initiated.


The content of this webinar will demonstrate how heart blocks can progressively deteriorate over hours into a life-threatening situation. The earlier they are recognised, the more likely they have a chance of receiving timely treatment. Lack of knowledge may create a situation where the heart block slowly deteriorates and is only observed when the patient has a cardiac arrest or a critical incident. 

Why this session may be relevant to your work

All Nurses who work in an area where cardiac monitors are used are expected to be able to recognise cardiac deterioration as it appears on the rhythm strip. As I work in an area, or may be allocated to an area, where patients are monitored this is central knowledge for my work. 

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will:
  • Recall the normal electrical conduction pathway of the heart.
  • Recognise the following rhythms: 1st degree Atrioventricular (AV) block, 2nd degree AV block – type 1 and 2 and 3rd degree AV block – Complete Heart Block.
  • Explain the potential complications of developing a heart block with either an inferior or anterior myocardial infarction.
  • Discuss why this is important knowledge for all nurses in critical care, coronary care, emergency department and telemetry wards to be able to recognize heart blocks. 

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Anne Evans-Murray

R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.