Concealed conduction

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Concealed Conduction[edit | edit source]

Diagram illustrating concealed conduction in the heart.

Concealed conduction is a phenomenon in cardiac electrophysiology where an impulse is transmitted through the heart's conduction system without producing a visible effect on the electrocardiogram (ECG). This occurs when the impulse is not strong enough to depolarize the myocardium but can still influence subsequent impulses.

Mechanism[edit | edit source]

Concealed conduction typically involves the atrioventricular node (AV node) or the His-Purkinje system. When an impulse travels through these pathways but fails to produce a visible QRS complex on the ECG, it is considered "concealed." This can happen due to partial depolarization or refractoriness of the conduction tissue.

Atrioventricular Node[edit | edit source]

In the AV node, concealed conduction can occur when an impulse arrives during the refractory period of the node. The impulse may not be conducted to the ventricles, but it can alter the refractoriness of the AV node, affecting the conduction of subsequent impulses. This is often seen in arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

His-Purkinje System[edit | edit source]

In the His-Purkinje system, concealed conduction can occur when an impulse travels down one branch of the bundle of His but fails to depolarize the ventricles. This can lead to bundle branch block patterns on the ECG without a corresponding QRS complex.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Concealed conduction is important in the diagnosis and management of certain cardiac arrhythmias. It can influence the interpretation of ECGs and the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs. Understanding concealed conduction helps in predicting the behavior of arrhythmias and in planning appropriate treatment strategies.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD