Key result
Advanced heart block affects ~17 per 100,000 people, rising steeply with age and male sex.
Why the study?
The prevalence and morbidity of heart block in the general population were not well characterized in the Exeter area.
Cross-Sectional (n=139)
These dated prevalence estimates warrant cautious use in current practice; leaves open need for updated population studies on atrioventricular block.
In a survey in the Exeter area 139 patients with some degrees of abnormal atrioventricular conduction were notified by 282 family doctors. Per 100,000 of the population the prevalence of second-degree and thrid-degree heart block was estimated to be 17.3, of complete block past or present 15.6, and of complete block at the time of survey 13.1. Heart block was commoner in men than women, the sex ratio being 1.4 to 1; its prevalence increased steeply with age, and the morbidity rate was less than that reported by others. If the morbidity figures quoted in this survey are representative of the general population, it reaffirms the policy that pacemakers should be recommended for selected patients only.
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Shaw et al. (1970) conducted a cross-sectional in Abnormal atrioventricular conduction (Heart block) (n=139). Abnormal atrioventricular conduction was evaluated on Prevalence of second-degree and third-degree heart block per 100,000 population. The prevalence of second-degree and third-degree heart block was estimated to be 17.3 per 100,000 population, with prevalence higher in men and increasing steeply with age.
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