Heart rhythm condition
Heart Block Evaluation in Reseda, CA
Heart block, or atrioventricular (AV) block, is a delay or interruption of the electrical signal as it travels from the atria to the ventricles. The heart may beat too slowly. A physician classifies the type of block and decides whether treatment is needed.
What heart block is
AV block is an interruption in transmission of an impulse from the atria to the ventricles because of an anatomical or functional problem in the conduction system. The disturbance can be transient or permanent. Conduction can be delayed, intermittent, or absent.
Physicians classify heart block by the length of the delay. Recovered education used first degree (slowed conduction without missed beats), second degree (missed beats, often in a pattern), and third degree or complete AV block.
First, second, and third degree block
In first-degree block, impulses are delayed in the AV node but still reach the ventricles. Sometimes first-degree block can later be associated with other forms of block.
In second-degree block, some impulses fail to reach the ventricles. It is further divided into Type I and Type II. In third-degree, or complete, block, sinus impulses do not reach the ventricles, and the ventricles must generate their own impulse. Depending on cause, third-degree block may be temporary or permanent.
Symptoms, causes, and risk factors from recovered education
Symptoms listed included dizziness or lightheadedness, low blood pressure, palpitations, fatigue, and syncope. Heart block can occur at any age and becomes more common in middle age. For people without heart disease, the cause may be unknown.
Less severe forms can be related to medications such as adenosine, calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, and digitalis. Diseases listed included endocarditis, myocarditis, Lyme disease, Lenegre disease, Lev disease, coronary heart disease, and heart attack. Increased vagal tone, congenital block, and prior heart surgery were also mentioned.
How specialists may evaluate heart block
Because block may be brief and unpredictable, it can be difficult to diagnose. A history, description of symptoms, exam, resting EKG, or Holter monitor may be used.
Do not change heart medications based on this page. Ask your physician.
Potential treatment approaches
If a medication is contributing, a physician may adjust it. If the block causes a dangerously slow rate or symptoms, a pacemaker may be discussed. Not every first-degree delay needs a device.
Device criteria require a full clinical evaluation.
When to contact a physician
Call the Reseda office if you have been told you have heart block or a conduction delay. Call 911 for fainting, severe shortness of breath, or chest pain.