[Third degree atrioventricular block treated without pacemaker].

A 53-year-old male was admitted due to an asymptomatic third degree atrioventricular (AV) block of proximal type (QRS duration below 0,12 sec.). With telemetry a normal heart rate was observed and a stress test showed a maximum heart rate of 101% of the expected. Blood samples and stress echo-cardiography showed normal values. Permanent pacemaker (PM) placement was rejected and the patient was followed in the outpatient clinic. PM implantation carries a risk of complications but without it the condition can progress. Treatment of asymptomatic third degree AV-block is debated and not entirely clear.