What is an AV node ablation?
The atrio-ventricular node (AV) in the heart conducts the electrical impulse from the collecting chambers of the heart (atria) to the pumping chambers (ventricles). Atrial fibrillation, a chaotic rhythm affecting the atria, can result in very rapid heart rates that can be difficult to control using drugs. In this situation, it is possible to “freeze” the AV node and thereby electrically disconnect the atria from the ventricles. It is then necessary to insert a pacemaker to ensure that the heart beats with a regular rhythm. Is there a replacement for spironolactone? Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist, a type of diuretic (water tablet). Eplerenone is an alternative aldosterone antagonist, which is often used when people experience side-effects with spironolactone. What is the difference between a pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)? A pacemaker is most commonly inserted when the heart’s own natural pacemaker or electrical system is faulty to prevent the
