atrioventricular block (AVB) [L, atrium + ventriculus, little belly] , a disorder of cardiac impulse transmission that reflects prolonged, intermittent, or absent conduction of impulses between the atria and ventricles. It commonly occurs at the AV node or within the bundle branch system. Treatment depends on where the block is located and whether it is transient or permanent. Heart rate–supporting drugs or pacemaker insertion are common options. See also heart block, intraatrial block, intraventricular block, sinoatrial (SA) block.
