Heart Block
Heart block is a problem that occurs with the heart's electrical system. This system controls the rate and rhythm of heartbeats. ("Rate" refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute. "Rhythm" refers to the pattern of regular or irregular pulses produced as the heart beats).With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads across the heart from the upper to the lower chambers. As it travels, the signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood.
Heart block occurs if the electrical signal is slowed or disrupted as it moves through the heart.Your heart's job is to deliver the oxygen in your blood to your body, by pumping blood through your blood vessels. When your heart beats too slowly, it can't pump as efficiently. The usual heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Your heartbeat is thought to be too slow if it drops below 50 beats per minute. This can lead to symptoms such as fainting and feeling short of breath.Some people are born with heart block, while others develop it during their lifetimes. If you're born with the condition, it's called congenital heart block. If the condition develops after birth, it's called acquired heart block.
Doctors might detect congenital heart block before or after a baby is born. Certain diseases that may occur during pregnancy can cause heart block in a baby. Some congenital heart defects also can cause heart block. Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. Often, doctors don't know what causes these defects. Acquired heart block is more common than congenital heart block. Damage to the heart muscle or its electrical system causes acquired heart block. Diseases, surgery, or medicines can cause this damage.
The three types of heart block are first degree, second degree, and third degree. First degree is the least severe, and third degree is the most severe. This is true for both congenital and acquired heart block.Doctors use a test called an ECG (electrocardiogram) to help diagnose heart block. This test detects and records the heart's electrical activity. It maps the data on a graph for the doctor to review.
Heart block animation
First degree Heart Block
Heart Block Treatment
Pacemaker implantation
A pacemaker is a small device that monitors your heartbeat and sends electrical signals to stimulate your heart to beat at a specific rate. It only sends signals if your heartbeat slows below a particular level. A pacemaker is implanted under the skin on your chest. It's connected to your heart by one or more leads, which are passed through a vein to your heart. For heart block, pacemakers with two leads (called dual-chamber pacemakers) are normally used. The two leads connect to two different points in your heart – usually your right atrium (upper chamber) and right ventricle (lower chamber).
Some electrical devices or devices that have strong magnetic fields can interfere with a pacemaker by disrupting its electrical signalling. These include mobile phones and metal detectors, for example, but ask your doctor or clinic for a full list. You will need to make sure you're not in close or prolonged contact with such devices.
