How does AV block typically affect atrial tachycardia?

How does AV block typically affect atrial tachycardia?

• A. AV block does not affect tachycardia.
• B. AV block terminates tachycardia.
• C. AV block accelerates tachycardia.
• D. AV block converts tachycardia to flutter.

Answer: (A)

In atrial tachycardia, the rapid rhythm comes from an ectopic focus in the atria, outside the AV node. AV block changes how many of those atrial impulses reach the ventricles, not the source of the tachycardia itself. So the atrial rate—the tachycardia rate—continues regardless of the block. What you’ll see is a modified ventricular response: fewer impulses get through, so the ventricular rate may be slower or irregular, but the atrial tachycardia keeps going. The block doesn’t terminate, accelerate, or convert the atrial tachycardia into another rhythm; it mainly affects how the ventricles respond to the atrial rate.

In atrial tachycardia, the rapid rhythm comes from an ectopic focus in the atria, outside the AV node. AV block changes how many of those atrial impulses reach the ventricles, not the source of the tachycardia itself. So the atrial rate—the tachycardia rate—continues regardless of the block. What you’ll see is a modified ventricular response: fewer impulses get through, so the ventricular rate may be slower or irregular, but the atrial tachycardia keeps going. The block doesn’t terminate, accelerate, or convert the atrial tachycardia into another rhythm; it mainly affects how the ventricles respond to the atrial rate.