Heart Blocks - Cause, Types, Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Heart Block?

Heart block is one of the many kinds of disorders related to the rhythm of the heart. Any irregularity with the rhythm of the heart is called an arrhythmia. The heart is divided into four sections, namely - two upper chambers that are called the right and left atrium, and two lower sections that are called the right and left ventricles. A heart block occurs when there is a disruption or slowing down of the electrical activity of the heart from the upper chambers of the heart to the lower chambers of the heart.

The disrupted electrical signal leads the heart muscle to contract abnormally and thus produce irregular heartbeats. A slow heartbeat of fewer than 60 beats per minute is referred to as bradycardia. An escalation in the heart rate above 120 beats per minute is referred to as tachycardia. Heart block may occur in both adults and children. Children who are born with a heart block are said to have a congenital heart defect. In the majority of the cases, the mothers of such children suffer from an autoimmune disease such as lupus or any other similar ailment. Such a defect is called a congenital heart block. It should be noted that, at times, no root cause or etiology can be identified for a heart block.

What Are the Types of Heart Blocks?

There are three kinds of heart block, first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree, depending on the severity of the interruption of the electrical signals between the two atriums and the two ventricles.

Mentioned below are the types of heart blocks in brief:

• First-Degree Heart Block: It is the most lenient form of heart block and generally does not cause any problem even though the electrical signals are slow because they are still able to reach the ventricles.

• Second-Degree Heart Block: It has an irregular and slower heart rhythm where the ventricles are partially deprived of electrical signals.

• Third-Degree Heart Block: It is called a complete atrioventricular block and is the most severe kind of heart block. Ventricles are totally deprived of electrical signals.

What Are the Causes of Heart Blocks?

There are numerous cardiovascular grounds that may lead to the occurrence of a heart block. It should be noted that there is no exact etiological factor that may prove to be the root cause of a heart block. Additionally, a heart block can develop at any age, and patients who are already suffering from several varieties of cardiovascular damage are prone to an increased risk of heart blocks.

Mentioned below are some of the causes of a heart block:

• Damage to the heart.

• Heart attack.

• Coronary artery disease.

• Cardiomyopathy.

• Rheumatic heart disease.

• Heart failure.

• Digoxin

• Beta-blockers.

• Calcium channel blockers.

• High vagal tone.

• Vagus nerve activity.

• Obesity.

• Family history of cardiovascular diseases especially heart block.

• Untreated cardiovascular defect.

• Long-standing case of a heart disease.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Unaddressed stress.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Blocks?

The signs and symptoms of a heart block vary according to the degree of the heart block. First-degree heart block may not show any classical signs or symptoms in the patient. In contrast, a second-degree heart block or third-degree heart block may represent a range of clinical manifestations depending on the severity of the current condition and status of the heart.

Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of a heart block:

• Fainting.

• Dizziness.

• Chest pain.

• Feeling tired.

• Shortness of breath.

• Heart palpitations.

• Rapid breathing.

• Nausea.

• Lightheadedness.

• Fatigue.

• Low blood pressure.

• Vomiting

• Feeling of the heart skipping a beat.

• Discomfort in the chest.

• Tremors.

• Increased amount of thirst.

• Getting tired easily.

• Lethargy.

• Changes in appetite.

• Heavy breathing while climbing the stairs.

• Feeling tired in the morning.

• Breathless with little amount of exertion.

How to Diagnose Heart Blocks?

There are several ways to diagnose any issues with the cardiovascular system. This is mainly due to the recent advancements in radiology and related fields. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most accurate diagnostic tools for determining the presence of a heart block. An electrocardiogram gives a printed record of the electrical activity of the heart. An echocardiogram provides the complete form and structure of the heart. Other tests such as electrophysiology studies and implantable loop recorders may give additional information such as the heart’s size, rhythm, and presence of any further cardiac damage.

What Is the Treatment for Heart Blocks?

Treatment, similar to the symptoms, is dependent on the kind and severity of the heart block.

Mentioned below are some of the treatment modalities for heart block:

• No treatment is required for first-degree heart block.

• A pacemaker is surgically implanted in order to correct second-degree and third-degree heart blocks.

What Lifestyle Modifications Help Prevent Heart Blocks?

The following lifestyle modifications help prevent the occurence or minimise the severity of heart blocks:

• Avoid stressful events.

• Cut out alcohol and related beverages.

• Avoid caffeine and associated liquids.

• Keep yourself away from over-the-counter analgesic medications.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet.

• Be more physically active.

Conclusion:

A heart block or atrioventricular block is a medical condition when the heart’s electrical conduction is partially or totally blocked. This results in slow heartbeats or even skipping a beat. As a result, the heart will not be able to pump blood efficiently to the entire body. Symptoms are dependent on the severity and type of heart block- namely first, second, or third-degree heart blocks generally include dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Pacemaker implantation is a common way to treat second and third-degree heart blocks, while first-degree heart blocks do not require any sort of management. Untreated heart blocks may lead to cardiac arrest. The majority of the patients with heart block are able to show a normal and active life post-treatment. Patients are advised to continue the prescribed dosage of medications post-treatment. Additionally, living a life full of physical activeness may help in keeping the heart healthy. Investing in a heart-smart diet plan is also necessary, and nutritionists or dieticians may be consulted for the same.