Heart Block: When your heart misses a beat

What is heart block?

Our heart is an amazing organ, tirelessly pumping blood throughout our body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells. Its rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that travel through the heart muscle. But sometimes, these signals can be disrupted, causing your heart to beat slowly or irregularly. This condition is known as heart block.

What causes these signals to be disrupted?

There are several possible causes of heart block, including:

• Age: Heart block is more common in older adults.
• Heart disease: A variety of heart conditions can damage the electrical pathways in the heart, leading to heart block.
• Medications: Some medications can slow down the heart rate.
• Surgery: Heart surgery sometimes damage the electrical pathways in the heart.
• Infections: Certain infections, especially viral infections can affect the heart’s electrical system.
• Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, such as SLE can damage the heart and cause heart block.
• Low thyroid hormone level.

What are the signs?

There are many signs that might that tell if it is a heart block:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Sudden cardiac arrest (in severe cases)

How is Heart Block Diagnosed?

Heart block is diagnosed using a variety of tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Holter monitor: This is a portable device that records the heart’s electrical activity for 24 hours or longer.
• Event recorder: This is a device that is worn for a longer period of time and records the heart’s electrical activity when symptoms occur.
• Echo-cardiogram: This is an ultrasound test that can be used to assess the structure and function of the heart.

How is Heart Block Treated?

The treatment of heart block depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. However, in more severe cases, treatment may include:

• Pacemaker: Treatment of choice for advanced degree heart block is a pacemaker. It is a device that is implanted in the chest to regulate the heart rate.
• Medication: Medications have limited role in increasing heart rate.

How to prevent heart block?

Here are a few tips that you can put to use to prevent heart block.

It can not be prevented completely. However, you may get benefited by

• Get regular exercise.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Manage stress.
• Get enough sleep.
• See a doctor regularly for checkups.
• Avoiding smoking

With proper treatment, most people with heart block can live long and healthy lives. However, it is important to see a doctor regularly and to follow their treatment plan.

At Aadicura, our team of dedicated doctors is committed to providing personalized and comprehensive care to each patient. With years of experience in their respective fields, our doctors ensure that you receive the highest quality medical attention.