Heart Block

Heart Block: Understanding, Diagnosis and Treatment

Introduction

Heart block is a condition in which the conduction of electrical impulses generated by the heart's natural pacemaker, known as the sinoatrial node, is disrupted. This impairs the heart's ability to pump blood and can have varying degrees of severity. In this article, we will look at the different types of heart block, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

Types of heart block

Heart block can be classified according to the degree to which it interferes with the conduction of electrical impulses. Here are some of the types of heart block:

1. First Degree Heart Block: When there is partial or incomplete heart block, the conduction of impulses between the atria and ventricles slows down. This means that the time required to transmit impulses increases, but all impulses still reach the ventricles.

2. Second Degree Heart Block: In second degree heart block, not all impulses travel from the atria to the ventricles. This can occur in varying proportions, and as a result the heart may miss some beats.

3. Third Degree Heart Block: In third degree heart block, also known as complete heart block, no impulse travels from the atria to the ventricles. In this case, the ventricles begin to contract at their own slow rate, which can reduce the overall heart rate.

Causes of heart block

Heart block can be congenital or develop as a result of various heart diseases. Here are some of the most common causes of heart block:

1. Myocardial infarction: During a myocardial infarction (heart attack), damage to the conduction system of the heart can occur, which can lead to heart block.

2. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle) can damage the conduction system of the heart and cause blockage.

3. Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a group of heart diseases that weaken the heart muscle and can affect the conduction of impulses.

4. Heart valve damage: Some diseases or damage to the heart valves can affect the conduction of electrical impulses.

5. Degenerative changes: Older people often experience degenerative changes in the conduction system of the heart, which can lead to heart block.

Symptoms and complications

Heart block can often be asymptomatic, especially in the initial stages. However, with a sharp slowdown in pulse and heart rate, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

1. Fatigue and weakness.
2. Dizziness or fainting.
3. Labored breathing.
4. Chest pain.
5. Heart failure.
6. Adams-Stokes syndrome: This is a serious complication that can develop when the heart is completely blocked. It is characterized by short-term loss of consciousness, convulsions and a decrease in heart rate.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose heart block, your doctor may do the following:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and determines the presence and type of blockage.

2. Holter Monitoring: This is a wearable device that records heart activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer, allowing the doctor to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart in everyday conditions.

3. Echocardiography: This is an ultrasound examination of the heart that can evaluate the structure and function of the heart and rule out other causes of symptoms.

Treatment for heart block depends on the type of heart block and the symptoms it causes. Here are some possible treatments:

1. Artificial heart pacemaker (or pacemaker): This is a device inserted into the patient's body that generates electrical impulses to maintain a normal heart rhythm.

2. Drug therapy: Some medications can help improve the conduction of impulses and control the symptoms of heart block.

3. Surgery: In some cases, especially those with complete heart block, surgery may be required to install a pacemaker or other procedures to restore normal heart conduction.

Conclusion

Heart block is a condition in which the conduction of electrical impulses generated by the heart's natural pacemaker is disrupted. This can lead to various symptoms and complications, but modern diagnostic and treatment methods can effectively manage this condition. If you suspect or are experiencing heart block

Heart Block: Impaired conduction of electrical impulses and its consequences

Introduction:

Heart block, also known as heart block, is a condition in which the conduction of electrical impulses generated by the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, is disrupted. This is a serious condition that can impair the heart's ability to pump blood and cause a variety of symptoms. In this article, we will look at the different types of heart block, their causes and consequences, as well as treatments for this condition.

Types of heart block:

Heart block can be classified according to the degree to which it interferes with the conduction of electrical impulses. Let's look at the main types of heart block:

1. First Degree Heart Block:
   With partial or incomplete heart block, the conduction of impulses between the atria and ventricles along the His bundle slows down. In this case, the impulses pass through the conduction system of the heart, but with a delay. First-degree heart block usually has no obvious symptoms and does not require special treatment.

2. Second Degree Heart Block:
   In second degree heart block, not all impulses travel from the atria to the ventricles. This may occur with periodic or random delays in impulse conduction. Depending on the type of second-degree heart block, some impulses travel to the ventricles and some do not. Patients with second-degree heart block may experience symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, or palpitations.

3. Third degree heart block (Third Degree Heart Block or Complete Heart Block):
   In third degree heart block or complete heart block, no impulse travels from the atria to the ventricles. Instead, the ventricles begin to contract at their own slow rate, usually 20-40 beats per minute. Third degree heart block is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of heart block:

Heart block can be congenital or develop as a result of various heart diseases. Here are some of their possible reasons:

1. Myocardial infarction:
   With myocardial infarction, damage to the areas of the heart responsible for conducting electrical impulses is possible. This can lead to the development of heart block.

2. Myocarditis:
   Inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, can affect the heart's conduction system and cause blockage.

3. Cardiomyopathy:
   Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscles become weak and ineffective. This can lead to disturbances in the conduction of electrical impulses and heart block.

4. Heart valve damage:
   Damage to the heart valves, such as valvular stenosis or regurgitation, can obstruct the normal flow of impulses and cause blockage.

5. Chronic degenerative changes:
   Older people often experience heart block due to chronic degenerative changes in the conduction system of the heart. This may be due to natural aging or other factors.

Consequences of heart block:

Heart block may be asymptomatic, especially in the case of first-degree block. However, if the pulse and heart rate suddenly slow down, the patient may develop heart failure or Adams-Stokes syndrome. Heart failure occurs when the body does not pump enough blood, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling. Adams-Stokes syndrome is characterized by episodes of fainting caused by a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain.

Treatment of heart block:

Treatment for heart block depends on the extent of the block and the symptoms the patient experiences. In the case of a first-degree block, no special treatment is usually required. However, with second and third degree blockade, the following measures may be required:

1. Implantation of an artificial heart pacemaker (permanent pacemaker):
   For third-degree heart block or in patients with second-degree heart block causing severe symptoms, implantation of an artificial heart pacemaker may be recommended. This device generates electrical impulses that stimulate the heart and maintain its normal rhythm.

2. Drug treatment:
   In some cases, medications may be used to improve the conduction of electrical impulses or control the heart rhythm.

Conclusion:

Heart block is a serious condition that can impair heart function and cause a variety of symptoms. It is important to return

Heart rhythm block is a special condition of the organ, accompanied by improper passage of impulses from the atria to the ventricles. Today we will find out what causes this disease, what symptoms are characteristic of it and how the problem can be cured.