AV: Atrioventricular – Definition

Atrioventricular (AV) is a simple way to say “about both the top and bottom parts of the heart.” The top parts are called atria and the bottom parts are ventricles. There are special one-way doors (valves) between them and a tiny electrical switchboard (the AV node) that tells the heart when to squeeze. Together these make sure blood moves in one direction and that the heart beats in a steady rhythm.

Doctors talk about AV problems when the signal between the atria and ventricles is slow or blocked, which can make the heartbeat strange or uneven. They can give medicines to help, use a pacemaker to send the right signals, or sometimes fix or replace a valve. Understanding how the top and bottom parts of the heart work together helps doctors diagnose and treat many heart problems.

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