Heart Block - Medical Glossary

Understanding Heart Block and Its Types?

Seek immediate help if you experience fainting, chest pain, or a sudden slow heartbeat. If you’re diagnosed with a mild form, watch for changes in symptoms. Prompt evaluation and treatment reduce the risk of life-threatening events, especially in advanced stages of heart block.

Common Symptoms and Warning Signs of Heart Block?

Treatment depends on the type and severity. Mild cases may only need monitoring. Moderate to severe heart block often requires a pacemaker to regulate heartbeat. Medications may be adjusted if they contribute to the condition. Lifestyle changes and regular follow-ups help manage heart function and prevent complications.

Causes and Risk Factors for Heart BlockCauses and Risk Factors for Heart Block?

Heart block can be caused by aging, heart disease, congenital heart defects, or damage from heart surgery. It may also result from conditions like myocarditis, or from medications such as beta-blockers or digoxin. Electrolyte imbalances and Lyme disease are other possible triggers that disrupt electrical signaling.

Treatment Options for Heart Block?

Mild heart block may not cause noticeable symptoms. More severe cases can lead to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, chest pain, or slow heart rate (bradycardia). Individuals may feel short of breath or experience confusion, especially during physical activity. Sudden collapse or fainting warrants immediate emergency care.

When to Seek Medical Help for Heart Block?

There are three degrees of heart block first, second, and third. First-degree is the mildest, with minor signal delays. Second-degree involves occasional dropped beats, while third-degree (complete block) means no signals reach the lower chambers. Severe types can cause serious symptoms and require urgent treatment like pacemaker insertion.