Conduction abnormalities

Bundle branch block

Engineering

Cardiology

Right bundle branch block

Mechanical engineering

Stroke (engine)

Pathophysiology

Internal medicine

Electrocardiography

Epidemiology

Medicine

Atrial fibrillation

Risk factor

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Interatrial block (IAB) is an electrocardiographic pattern describing the conduction delay between the right and left atria. IAB is classified into 3 degrees of block that correspond to decreasing conduction in the region of Bachmann's bundle. Although initially considered benign in nature, specific subsets of IAB have been associated with atrial arrhythmias, elevated thromboembolic stroke risk, cognitive impairment, and mortality. As the pathophysiologic relationships between IAB and stroke are reinforced, investigation has now turned to the potential benefit of early detection, atrial imaging, cardiovascular risk factor modification, antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapy, and stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation. This review provides a contemporary overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IAB, with a focus on future directions.

Cardiovascular Complications of Interatrial Conduction Block