Frequency of Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block in Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction with Right Ventricular Infarction

Background: Complete atrioventricular block is a significant complication in inferior wall myocardial infarction and right ventricular infarction patients. Understanding its prevalence and demographic determinants are essential in order to optimize the clinical management and the evaluation of prognosis, most significantly in low-resource health systems. Objective: To determine the frequency of third-degree atrioventricular block with right ventricular infarction in a patient with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 at the Cardiology Unit and Emergency Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methodology: A total of 110 patients aged 35–85 years, diagnosed with IWMI and RVI, were included. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, electrocardiographic findings, and cardiac biomarkers. Third-degree AV block was identified through conventional 12-lead ECG, and right ventricular infarction was confirmed using right-sided precordial leads. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.29 ± 8.96 years, with a predominance of male patients (76.4%). Third-degree AV block occurred in 20.9% of patients, with a significant gender difference (73.1% of females vs. 4.8% of males, p<0.001). Rural residents had a higher incidence (39%) of AV block compared to urban residents (0%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study confirms a significant frequency of third-degree AV block in patients with IWMI and RVI, with a marked predisposition in females, rural residents, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.