[2] This dysrhythmia also may occur when the electrical impulses from the SA node fail to reach the AV node because of SA or AV block.
It is a protective mechanism for the heart, to compensate for the SA node no longer handling the pacemaking activity, and is one of a series of backup sites that can take over pacemaker function when the SA node fails to do so.
[3] Junctional rhythms (if a bradycardia) can cause decreased cardiac output.
Therefore, the person may exhibit signs and symptoms similar to other bradycardia such as lightheadedness, dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting.
[citation needed] A junctional escape complex is a normal response that may result from excessive vagal tone on the SA node (e.g. digoxin toxicity), a pathological slowing of the SA discharge, or a complete AV block.