HEART BLOCK Ms A Denis Rani Assistant Professor
HEART BLOCK Ms. A. Denis Rani, Assistant Professor, Bon Secours College for Women
HEART BLOCK • Heart block is an abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too slowly. In this condition , the electrical signals that tell the heart to contract are partially or totally blocked between the upper chambers(atria) and the lower chamber(ventricles).
CAUSES • Some people are born with heart block. In others, it develop later in life. An autoimmune disease Birth defects
Some other causes Certain types of surgery that affected the heart’s electrical system Changes in yours genes Damage from a heart attack
Heart issues like clogged arteries, inflammation of the heart muscle &heart faliure Muscle disorders or other disease Some medicines
Degree of heart block First degree Second degree Third degree(also called complete) • This is the mildest from of heart block. • This heart’s electrical signals is slowed but still gets where it’s going. You may notice or need treatment. • Some of the signals don’t get to the right places. • This May mean your heart asymptomatic or symptomatic. • No electrical messages get through. • The rate and rhythm of your heartbeat is very slow or it may even stop entirely. This type of heart block can be fatal.
Symptoms First degree You may not have any at all second degree • Chest pain • Dizziness • Fainting • Fatigue • Nausea • Shortness of breath Third degree Cardiac arrest Dizziness Fainting Irregular heartbeat
Who’s at risk? High potassium Recent open-heat surgery Hyperthyroidism, or overactive Lyme disease
Diagnosis Current health Family history of heart issues Any medications you are taking Health history Tobacco, drug and alcohol
Treatment • For second- and third –degree heart block, you may get a small device a pacemaker in you chest. This is considered “minor” surgery and you will be sedated for it. Like a backup electrical system, it reminds the heart to beat at a normal rate if it slows or steps.
- Slides: 11