Heart Block Symptoms and Types: How to Identify and Manage Them

A healthy human heart beats about 60 to 100 times per minute. In one heartbeat, the heart muscle contracts once, pumping blood throughout the body. Normally, each heartbeat is caused by an electrical signal that begins in the upper right chamber (right atrium) of the heart. These signals originate in a part of the atrium called the sinus node, a group of special cells called the atrium.

The electric signals then travel through the heart to the atrioventricular node (AV node), a group of special cells located in the center of the heart between the atria and the ventricles. The AV node is also called the electrical relay station because it slows down the electric signals before they travel to the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

These electrical signals travel from the AV node to the ventricles, which are bundles of cardiac fibers built into the walls of the heart. These bundles of fibers are called AV bundles that split into two branches for each ventricle. These bundles conduct electrical impulses to the heart ventricles. When the signals reach the ventricles, blood is pumped to the body.

In a partial heart block, these electrical impulses that control the heartbeat are delayed or blocked, which makes it difficult for the heart to beat normally. Heart block occurs when the electrical signals stop completely. In such cases, the heart beats drop to as low as 40 beats per minute. Sometimes, heart block makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood through the circulatory system. It also affects the muscles and organs as they do not get enough oxygen needed to function.

Heart block can cause dizziness, fainting and nervousness. In some severe cases, heart block can also lead to heart failure. Heart block can also cause chest pain in case of sudden cardiac arrest. On the other hand, coronary heart disease can also occur when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. This can cause angina (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

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Heart block may be present from birth (congenital), but often heart block develops after birth. In general, the risk of heart block increases with age and the presence of heart disease. With this in mind, heart block can be classified into three types:

• First-degree heart block involves minor disturbances in the heart rhythm, such as a faint heartbeat. Treatment may not be needed if the symptoms are not severe.
• Second-degree heart block occurs when the arterial pulse is unable to reach the ventricles. This causes the heart to beat slowly or intermittently. In this condition, the patient may feel dizzy and may need a pacemaker.
• Third-degree or complete heart block occurs when electrical signals are not transmitted between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. This problem is very common in people suffering from heart disease. Getting a pacemaker is necessary to avoid the serious risk of a heart attack.

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First-degree heart block is most common in athletes, teens, and young adults. People with an overactive vagus nerve may also develop first-degree heart block. People with various types of heart disease, including coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, or other heart-structure disorders, are at risk for first-degree heart block. The following conditions increase the risk if heart block occurs:

• Heart enlargement or cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Rheumatic fever
• Myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle
• Endocarditis or inflammation of the heart valves

Rapid or sudden heart block can occur after a heart attack or heart operation. It can also occur as a complication of Lyme disease. Heart block can also occur after an injury to the heart during open heart surgery, as a side effect of certain medications, or after exposure to a toxin.

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Abnormal heartbeat occurs when there is a change in the speed or pattern of the heartbeat. This includes the heart beating too slowly (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or irregularly. An abnormal heartbeat in one of the atriums is called atrial. If it occurs in the ventricle, it is called ventricular. If a person has heart block, he or she experiences the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Panic sensation (palpitations, fluttering or pounding in the chest)
• Fatigue
• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Frequent fainting

Difficulty exercising due to less blood being pumped through the body Most cases of heart block are relieved with timely treatment. Depending on your age and medical history, a cardiologist examines the symptoms in the patient with the help of an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or electrophysiology test.

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Heart block is a condition in which the electrical signaling system of the heart is disrupted, causing the heartbeat to be irregular or slow. There are several types of heart block, such as first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree, with third-degree being the most severe. Symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, fainting, and shortness of breath. Heart block may be caused by damage to the heart muscle, blood pressure problems, or taking certain medications. Treatment depends on the severity of the block and may include medications, use of a pacemaker, or lifestyle changes. Regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help control it.