structural:expansion
Treatment

Atropine is often used as a first line treatment of a third-degree heart block in the presence of a narrow QRS which indicates a nodal block, but, may have little to no effect in an infra-nodal block. Atropine works by reducing vagal stimulation through the AV node but will not be effective in those who have had a previous heart transplant. Other drugs may be utilized such as epinephrine or dopamine which have positive chronotropic effects and may increase the heart rate. Treatment in emergency situations can involve electrical transcutaneous pacing in those who are acutely hemodynamically unstable and can be used regardless of the persons level of consciousness. Sedative agents such as a benzodiazepine or opiate may be used in conjunction with transcutaneous pacing to reduce the pain caused by the intervention.