What Happens If You Have Heart Block?
People at Risk for Heart Block
It is a medical condition in which the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat get impaired. This impairment can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. Heart block can occur in the atria, the AV node, or the ventricles.
What Happens If You Have Heart Block?
If you have a heart block, it can cause your heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. So, the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body. This can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and stroke. This can range from mild to severe, and causes a variety of medical conditions.
Types of Heart Blocks
There are three main types : First-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.
- In first-degree heart block, the electrical signals between the chambers of the heart become slow, but still present.
- In second-degree heart block, the electrical signals between the chambers of the heart are partially interrupted.
- In third-degree , there is a complete interruption of electrical signals between the chambers of the heart.
How Serious Is this?
In mild cases, the condition does not require treatment and can be managed with lifestyle changes. However, more severe cases may require medications or even surgery.
People at Risk for Heart Block
It is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated. The people who are high risk of getting Heart Block include:
- Those with pre existing heart conditions
- Those who smoke
- Those with high BP
- Those who are older
- Those who have diabetes
- Those who have any type of cardiovascular disease
- Those having a family history of any kind of heart diseases
What Are the Symptoms ?
Symptoms include:
- A feeling of lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness
What Are the Causes ?
The cause can range from congenital issues to medications. It is important to identify the cause in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
How to Diagnose Heart Block?
The diagnosis can made through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart.
How to Treat Heart Block?
Treatment for heart block may include medications, pacemakers, and lifestyle changes. Pacemakers help to regulate the electrical signals of the heart, while medications can help to decrease the risk of arrhythmias.
Meet Doctor Arun
It occurs when there is an interruption in the electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers in the heart. This condition leads the heart to beat slower than normal, disrupting the regular rhythm. It occurs when there is a problem in the electrical conduction system of the heart, which controls the heartbeat. When this system is blocked, the heart’s ability to pump blood is impaired and can lead to serious health problems. It is a serious condition and so diagnosis & treatment should be sought immediately if there are any symptoms or if a family history of heart disease is present. You should meet Doctor Arun right away if you face any of the symptoms for this condition.
