Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, are common heart conditions affecting millions around the world. One such type is heart block, which can result from injury or damage to the heart muscle or valves. As the name suggests, heart block disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart, causing it to beat too slowly or unevenly. It occurs when the electrical signals that regulate the heart's beats are delayed or blocked. While some cases may be mild and go unnoticed, others can require medical attention to prevent complications.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sanjay Bhat, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, sheds light on the condition, its different types, signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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Understanding Heart Block And Its Different Types![]()
In general, a normal resting heartbeat is considered to be around 60-100 times a minute. Having a heart block is characterised by a disruption in the heart's electrical conduction system, which is responsible for regulating the heartbeat,” says Dr Bhat.
Medical News Today suggests that a partial heart block occurs when there is a delay of the electrical impulses or they move slower than usual. On the other hand, a complete heart block is when the electrical signals stop completely.
The doctor explains, “This impairment can occur at various levels within the conduction pathway, leading to a delay or complete interruption in the transmission of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. As a result, the heart may not beat in a coordinated manner, potentially causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or even fainting.”
According to the doctor, heart block can be classified into several distinct types, each exhibiting varying degrees of severity. The primary categories include first-degree heart block, characterised by a prolonged PR interval but generally considered benign; second-degree heart block, which is further divided into Type I (Wenckebach) and Type II, with the former often being less severe and the latter potentially leading to more significant complications; and third-degree heart block, also known as complete heart block, where there is a total dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity, often necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Signs Of A Heart Block
Signs of heart block may vary from person to person. In some people, it may be mild and asymptomatic, while others may require medical intervention, such as the implantation of a pacemaker, to restore normal heart rhythm and ensure adequate blood flow throughout the body.
Common early signs include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, which may occur due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, often described as a fluttering sensation in the chest.
- Fainting spells or syncope, which are alarming signs that warrant immediate medical attention.
- Fatigue and shortness of breath during routine activities
Dr Bhat emphasises the importance of being aware of these symptoms for timely diagnosis and intervention, as heart block can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
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Diagnosis And Treatment![]()
To diagnose heart block, a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals may be required. This could include utilising a variety of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence and severity of the condition.
“Initially, a thorough medical history and physical examination are conducted, during which the physician assesses symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or syncope. The cornerstone of diagnosis is typically an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart and can reveal the specific type of heart block present. Additional tests may include Holter monitoring, which provides continuous ECG data over 24 hours or more, and an exercise stress test to evaluate the heart's response under physical exertion,” shares Dr Bhat.
In some cases, advanced imaging techniques such as echocardiography or cardiac MRI may be employed to assess the heart's structure and function, further aiding in the diagnosis and management of heart block.
For those diagnosed with a heart block, treatment approach would largely depend on the severity and type of heart block present, as well as the patient's overall health status.
For mild cases, close monitoring may be sufficient, while more severe instances may need the implantation of a pacemaker and also leadless pacemaker Micra to regulate heart rhythm effectively.
Medications may also be employed to address underlying conditions contributing to heart block, although their effectiveness can vary. In some cases, lifestyle modifications and the management of comorbidities are recommended to enhance overall cardiac health.
Concluding, Dr Bhat says, “The effectiveness of these treatments can differ significantly among individuals, making personalised medical assessment crucial for optimal outcomes.”