Recognizing Signs of a Heart Block
Pay attention to fatigue, chest pain, and other signs of a heart block. Fainting, tiredness, and dizziness are some of the common signs of heart block. You might also feel light-headed or short of breath. Chest pain can also indicate heart block. Keep in mind that a first-degree heart block usually doesn't cause any symptoms. These are detected during medical exams.
Consider the severity of your symptoms. Since second and third-degree heart blocks share the same symptoms, it's important to pay attention to how mild or severe the symptoms are. If you're experiencing mild or infrequent discomfort, you might have a second-degree block. If the symptoms are painful and frequent, you may have a third-degree block. It's a good idea to write down the symptoms, their frequency, and their intensity so you can give your medical provider a detailed history.
Get prompt medical attention if you have any signs of a heart block. Since some of these symptoms might be signs of another medical condition, you should get a medical exam. If your symptoms are mild or infrequent, call your doctor and schedule an exam. If your symptoms are severe, call emergency medical services or get a ride to the emergency room. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and an irregular pulse, go to the emergency room immediately, whether in an ambulance or a ride to the hospital. Don't try to drive to the emergency room if you're experiencing severe pain, fatigue, or dizziness.
Testing and Diagnosing Heart Blocks
Get a physical exam and give your medical history. The doctor will check your pulse and listen to your heart rhythm for unusual sounds or murmurs. They'll also see if your legs or feet are swollen and look for other signs of heart disease or complications. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and take your medical history. For example, the doctor may ask if any of your family members have ever had a heart block. They'll also ask if you're taking medications or supplements, and if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Prepare to have an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This tests the electrical activity within your heart. The results are interpreted through line tracings on a piece of paper, which contain a series of spikes and dips known as waves. Since some medications can interfere with the results of an ECG, it's important to tell your doctor in advance about any medications you're taking. You don't have to do anything special to prepare for an ECG ahead of time. Your doctor or cardiologist will simply hook electrodes to your chest and arms, then they'll use the data from the ECG to learn more about any underlying problems with your heart. If it's necessary, your doctor will let you know if you need to stop taking these medications before the ECG. In most cases, you will continue taking your medications. You'll also need to remove all jewelry before the test.
Get the ECG and wait for the results. You'll lay down and they'll attach sticky pads to your body. These will connect to the ECG machine which will trace the electrical activity of your heart onto a piece of paper. You'll need to stay still for 5 to 10 minutes while the machine makes these recordings. A specialist will read the paper results to determine the type of heart block you have. There aren't any risks in getting an ECG. Since no electricity is passing between the electrodes and your body, there's no risk of electrical shock.
Carry a portable ECG if your doctor wants to monitor you for 1 to 2 days. If the doctor would like more data to make a diagnosis, they'll ask you to wear a portable ECG such as a Holter monitor. This is like a smaller ECG that you can wear constantly. Your doctor can also specify times for the device to record the heart's electrical activity.
Get an electrophysiology study to get a more detailed diagnosis. If your doctor wants more information, they'll surgically place thin wires onto the surface of your heart. Then they can create an electrical map of the heart to see if there are blockages or abnormalities. Electrophysiology studies will give the most accurate diagnosis.
Interpreting the Results
Learn about a first-degree heart block diagnosis. You might be surprised to get a diagnosis of a first-degree heart block because you probably haven't noticed any symptoms. A first-degree heart block doesn't usually need medical treatment because the electrical signals passing between the chambers of your heart might be just be slower than normal. This is more of a delay in your heart function than a block. First-degree heart blocks can be caused by medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, heart attack (or myocardial infarction), or electrolyte imbalance (particularly potassium). You might experience an electrolyte imbalance if you sweat a lot without replenishing your electrolytes, compete in an athletic event without proper nutrition, or have very poor nutrition in general. In most cases, this isn't permanent.
Discuss a second-degree type 1 heart block. If you've been diagnosed with a second-degree heart block, it will be categorized as a type I or II. Type I is less severe although the electrical signals in your heart are considerably slow. You may experience skipped heart beats and fainting or dizziness. If you're not showing symptoms, you'll likely be monitored, but won't need treatment. If you do need treatment, the doctor may prescribe medication to stabilize your heart rate.
Learn about a second-degree type II heart block. If the electrical patterns in your heart are slow and unstable, you'll get a type II diagnosis. This can be caused by heart attacks, heart surgery, or heart disease. Since these blockages can lead to a complete third-degree block, the doctor may recommend surgery to insert a pacemaker either internally or externally. The pacemaker will track your heart rate and stimulate it if it gets too low. External pacemakers are only used for a short period of time. If the doctor recommends monitoring your condition, you'll need to inform them immediately if you experience any new symptoms.
Talk with your doctor about a third-degree heart block. If all of the electrical signals in your heart are blocked, you'll be diagnosed with a complete heart block. Since this is a medical emergency, you'll need immediate treatment or you could go into sudden cardiac arrest. To treat the blockage, you'll probably need surgery to insert a pacemaker. The pacemaker is a battery powered device connected to the heart by wires. It discharges rhythmic electrical signals that cause the muscles in your heart to contract. Pacemakers are small, often about the size of a matchbox. The surgery to insert your pacemaker will be simple, and you'll only need to stay in the hospital for 1 day. Your pacemaker should last from 5-15 years.
Comments
0 comment