Heart block, a condition affecting the heart's electrical system, disrupts the normal rhythm and coordination of heartbeats. Read what is a heart block? causes, symptoms, and treatments.
This can range from mild to severe, causing fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. Several factors contribute to heart block, including heart disease, medication side effects, and congenital abnormalities.
Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for effectively managing and preventing complications.
What is a heart block?
A heart block is also called an atrioventricular or AV block. A heart block occurs when there is a delay or interruption in the flow of electrical signals in the heart.
The signal flow electrics control how the heart pumps blood. Usually, the signals come from the atrium (upper heart chamber) and then go to the ventricle (lower heart chamber).
The electrical signal spreads to the ventricles, causing the heart muscle to pump blood. With heart block, the electrical signal is slowed down or does not pass to the ventricles.
In this condition, the ventricles pump blood, but slower. At first, you may not know they have heartblock. Heart block is a serious condition that needs immediate treatment.
What causes a heart block?
Problems with the heart's electrical pathways are the main cause of heart block. This may result from inflammation and scarring of heart tissue from previous heart conditions.
This includes myocardial ischemia (decreased blood supply to the heart), infections, tumors, or surgery. Some heart medications can cause heart block. Heart block may also be a condition with which it was born.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Block
Heart block can be classified as first, second, or third-degree. The electrical signals that cause the heart to beat are slowed, partially blocked, or completely blocked. Signs and symptoms depend on how severe the heart block is.
A first-degree heart block often has no symptoms. Symptoms of dizziness and fainting. confusion, and constancy locks in the second and third grades. You can have low blood pressure and an abnormal heartbeat in a complete heart block or third-degree.
Diagnosed with Heart Block?
Doctors often use the following tests to diagnose heart block:
1. Monitoteo Outpatient
This is known as Holter monitoring, ambulatory electrocardiogram, or loop monitor. These devices record your heartbeat for several hours, days, or weeks. Sticky pads are placed on his chest.
The patches are wired to a tiny gadget. The apparatus is fastened to the belt so that it does not affect daily activities. His medical record was reviewed to detect problems with his heartbeat.
2. Echocardiogram
This test is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves teach the structure, movement, and blood vessels of your heart. An echocardiogram utilizes ultrasound to visualize and assess the heart's structure, function, and blood flow dynamics non-invasively.
3. Heart Monitor
This test is called an EKG or ECG. A sticky pad is placed on your skin to record your heart's electrical activity. An EKG gives information about the function of your heart. Lie as still as possible during the test.
4. Exercise Stress Test
This test helps caregivers see the changes in your heart during exercise. It checks for blockages in the arteries of his heart. They do an electrocardiogram (ECG) while you ride a bicycle or walk on a treadmill. Caregivers will ask you what you feel during the test. They need to know if you feel chest pain or shortness of breath.
Treatment of heart block
Treatment depends on how severe your heart block is. Sometimes no treatment is required, especially when there are no symptoms. When symptoms are severe, the following treatments may be needed:
1. Heart Medicine
This medicine is given to strengthen or regulate his heartbeat. It may help your heart in other ways, too. Ask your doctor to know what medicine you are taking and why you are taking it.
2. Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator
An implanted cardioverter defibrillator is also known as a DCI. It is a small device that monitors your heart rate. If the ICD senses that your heart is beating at a healthy heart rate.
This device will apply a small electric shock to the heart. This shock helps your heart beat again and start at a normal rate. An ICD consists of a generator and leads (thin, flexible wires that are connected to your heart).
The generator and the leads will be placed inside your body through a surgical procedure. The generator has a metal shell with a battery and a small computer.
3. Temporary Pacemaker
A temporary pacemaker is a device designed to regulate your heart's rhythm and speed. It can be applied using large patches on your chest or back, connected to a monitor, or via small wires inserted into the heart muscles.
The pacemaker intervenes when your heart rate fluctuates, emitting small electrical signals to prompt regular beats.
Sensations from these impulses, especially with patch application, might be felt; inform medical staff promptly if discomfort arises. Movement should be limited without authorization to prevent dislodging the device.
Temporary pacemakers may be necessary for short-term or lifelong use, with the latter potentially leading to a permanent pacemaker replacement. Your doctor will determine the appropriate course of action based on your situation.
4. A Permanent Pacemaker
A permanent pacemaker is a small device that helps regulate your heartbeat. The size of a permanent pacemaker is similar to that of a wristwatch. The pacemaker is implanted under the skin.
The pacemaker can be used to regulate your heart rate by increasing or decreasing its speed. A pacemaker consists of a generator (battery) and thin, flexible wires known as electrodes.
The installation of a pacemaker is a surgical procedure. Most pacemakers work only when needed. These are called demand pacemakers, or requirements. Other pacemakers work all the time. Your doctor will decide which pacemaker is right for you.
Conclusion
What is heart block? Presents a complex interplay of factors that disrupt the heart's electrical impulses. Timely recognition of symptoms and appropriate medical intervention are vital in managing this condition.
With advancements in medical technology and interventions, individuals diagnosed with heart block can lead fulfilling lives through tailored treatment plans and lifestyle modifications aimed at maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of complications.
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