Which term describes a condition whereby not all atrial beats are transmitted to the ventricles?

The term that accurately describes a condition where not all atrial beats are transmitted to the ventricles is heart block. Heart block occurs when there is a delay or interruption in the conduction system of the heart, particularly in the electrical signals between the atria and the ventricles. This interruption can result in a situation where some atrial contractions do not result in ventricular contractions, leading to an inadequate response of the ventricles to the atrial pacing.

Heart block can be classified into different types (such as first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree), depending on the severity and the specific characteristics of the conduction impairment. This leads to various clinical implications, including symptoms that range from none at all to more significant issues like syncope or heart failure if the block is severe.

In contrast, other conditions like heart failure, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia represent different cardiac issues. Heart failure is a state where the heart fails to pump effectively due to various reasons, without necessarily implying transmission problems from the atria to the ventricles. Atrial flutter involves rapid atrial contractions that may still be conducted to the ventricles, while ventricular tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate originating from the ventricles, typically independent of atrial