Heart block - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Definition

Heart block is a condition where the heart beats irregularly or much more slowly than the normal heart beat. Every normal heart has a normal rhythm. That rhythm varies from person to person. In most healthy people, the heart at rest beats about 60 to 100 times per minute. Sometimes the heart may even stop for up to 20 seconds.

Heart block is classified as first-degree when electrical conduction to the ventricles is slightly delayed, second-degree when conduction is intermittently blocked, or third-degree (complete) when conduction is completely blocked. Most types of heart block are more common among older people.

Causes

Heart block has a variety of causes. It can also occur after a heart attack or as a result of inflammation of the heart muscle, cardiomyopathy (a disorder of the heart muscle) and other types of heart disease. Although these conditions are more common in older people, but this is not a matter that we should not afraid with, it can also found in young people? Heart block may also occur after heart surgery and in this case may be either temporary or permanent.

Most heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart muscle). When blood cannot reach part of your heart, that area starves for oxygen. If the blockage continues long enough, cells in the affected area die.

Symptoms

The main symptom associated with heart block is fainting. The extent to which this occurs depends on the type and extent of the conducting disturbance. Its most often experienced during exertion - for example if you run for a bus, play a game such as tennis or football, climb stairs or walk uphill. It may come on in cold weather, after a heavy meal or when you are feeling stressed. It can subside once you stop what you're doing or take medication.
First degree heart block is very common. It can sometimes be found in teenagers, young adults and in well-trained athletes. The condition may be caused by rheumatic fever, some types of heart disease and by some drugs. First-degree heart block causes no symptoms. Second degree heart block may not cause symptoms. Second degree block can sometimes progress to third-degree. Third degree heart block is a serious condition that usually affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Treatment

Treatment for heart disease is cure by itself. It includes meal planning to ensure a heart-healthy diet and physical activity. In addition, you may need medications to treat heart damage or to lower your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
The long-term treatment for heart block is a 'pacemaker'(a small, battery-driven device that sends out electrical signals to keep the heartbeat regular) which fit in heart.