Heart Block: A Problem with the Heart’s Electrical Signals
Heart block refers to delayed or interrupted electrical signals. It is different from a blockage in a heart artery.
Treatment at a glance
Observation
Addressing reversible causes
Pacing
Treatment ranges from monitoring to a pacemaker, depending on how electrical conduction is affected.
Before your consultation
Use these points to prepare for your consultation.
- Bring the ECG that mentions heart block.
- List all heart and blood pressure medicines.
- Describe any fainting episodes, even brief ones.
Collapse, chest pain or severe breathlessness with a slow heartbeat needs emergency help. Do not drive yourself.
Understanding heart block
Heart block refers to delayed or interrupted electrical signals. It is different from a blockage in a heart artery.
What it means
Electrical signals normally coordinate the heart’s upper and lower chambers. In heart block, these signals travel too slowly or fail to get through. Mild forms may need monitoring. Higher-grade block can dangerously slow the heartbeat and may need urgent treatment, even when symptoms seem limited.
Symptoms to recognise
Dizziness or episodes of fainting; Unusual tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance; Breathlessness or chest discomfort; Sometimes no symptoms, with the change found on an ECG.
Treatment at a glance
Treatment ranges from monitoring to a pacemaker, depending on how electrical conduction is affected.
When to seek care
A new diagnosis of higher-grade or complete heart block needs urgent specialist assessment. Ask what type your ECG shows.
Symptoms to recognise
- Dizziness or episodes of fainting
- Unusual tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance
- Breathlessness or chest discomfort
- Sometimes no symptoms, with the change found on an ECG
Causes and risk factors
Discuss your medical history and these factors during your assessment.
How it is assessed
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms and the findings of your assessment.
1. Clinical assessment
An ECG identifies the type of block. A portable monitor may show changes that come and go.
2. Tests and investigations
Your doctor reviews medicines and may request blood tests or an echocardiogram.
3. Further assessment
Fainting with a slow pulse needs prompt assessment rather than waiting for routine monitoring.
Treatment approaches
Medical care and ongoing management
- Observation: Some mild forms need regular review without a procedure.
- Addressing reversible causes: Doctors may adjust contributing medicines or treat an underlying condition. Do not change heart medicines yourself.
Pacing
Significant block may need a temporary or permanent pacemaker. The decision depends on the type, cause and clinical findings.
Ask your specialist about the expected benefits, risks and alternatives for your circumstances.
When to seek care
Arrange review of an abnormal ECG. Seek urgent care for fainting or suspected higher-grade heart block.
Arrange a review
Plan your next consultation
- A new diagnosis of higher-grade or complete heart block needs urgent specialist assessment. Ask what type your ECG shows.
Seek urgent care
Do not wait for a routine appointment when urgent warning signs occur.
- Collapse, chest pain or severe breathlessness with a slow heartbeat needs emergency help. Do not drive yourself.
Not Sure What You Need?
Arrange review of an abnormal ECG. Seek urgent care for fainting or suspected higher-grade heart block.
Talk to Care GuideHas your ECG report mentioned heart block?
Contact Mediversal Simran Hospital, Begusarai, about reviewing the report and discussing the appropriate next step.
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