What is the typical rate of firing for the AV node?

The atrioventricular (AV) node typically has an intrinsic firing rate of 40-60 beats per minute (bpm) under normal physiological conditions. This is essential for understanding the conduction system of the heart. The AV node functions as a critical relay point between the atria and ventricles, allowing for a brief delay that ensures the atria have time to fully contract and fill the ventricles with blood before they also contract.

In terms of cardiac rhythms, the AV node can act as a secondary pacemaker if higher-level pacemakers (such as the sinoatrial node) fail. When this occurs, the typical firing rate provided by the AV node helps maintain some level of heart function.

While a lower rate of firing (20-40 bpm) is characteristic of the bundle of His or the Purkinje fibers, and the sinoatrial node ideally fires at a higher range (60-100 bpm), the specific rate of 40-60 bpm for the AV node accurately reflects its normal physiological range. Thus, recognizing these different firing rates is key in the assessment of cardiac electrical activity and overall heart health.