How to Recognize and Prevent Heart Block Effectively
                     How to Recognize and Prevent Heart 
Block Effectively
What Heart Block Is and Its Types
A heart block is a condition in which the heart’s electrical conduction system malfunctions. Delay or obstruction of electric 
impulses travelling from the top chambers (atria) to the bottom chambers (ventricles) leads to irregular or slower heartbeats. 
The heart’s conduction system consists of structures such as Sinoatrial (SA) node, Atrioventricular (AV) node, and the His-
Purkinje system. The degrees of heart block, from first to third, represent ascending severity. Types include Sino-atrial Exit 
Blocks, First-degree AV heart block, Second-degree AV heart block (Mobitz Type I and Type II), Third-degree AV heart block, 
Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB), Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB), Left Anterior Fascicular Block (LAFB), Left Posterior 
Fascicular Block (LPFB), Bifascicular Blocks, and Nonspecific Intraventricular Conduction Defects (IVCD).
Know the Signs and Possible Complications
Signs and symptoms of heart block vary. Mild heart blocks may be unnoticed. Symptoms requiring attention include 
shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, fainting, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Second-
degree and third-degree heart blocks are medical emergencies. Complications include atrial fibrillation, bradycardia 
(reduced heart rate), heart failure, heart attack, and sudden cardiac arrest. Prompt medical intervention is essential to 
prevent further complications.
Causes and Risk Factors You Should Be Aware Of
Heart block may be congenital or develop later in life. Common causes include congenital heart defects, autoimmune 
diseases, coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, infections, medications, heart 
damage during surgery, exposure to toxins, age-related degeneration, electrolyte imbalances, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Non-preventable risk factors include old age, family history of heart blocks or heart disease, congenital defects, recent 
open-heart surgery, an overactive vagus nerve, and hyperkalemia.
Preventable risk factors include lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure, medications, infections, smoking, 
stress, and severe hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Block
Heart block is diagnosed through ECG, review of symptoms, medical history, lifestyle discussion, physical examination, 
blood tests, echocardiogram, Holter monitor, loop recorder, electrophysiology study, and exercise stress test. Treatment 
depends on type, severity, symptoms, and heart function. Options include regular checkups and monitoring, 
medications, pacemaker implantation, treatment for underlying causes, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a 
healthy diet, exercising, and managing chronic conditions including diabetes.
How to Prevent Heart Block with Lifestyle Measures
Prevention of heart block involves a heart-healthy lifestyle. Measures include managing chronic conditions like 
cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, monitoring medications, regular exercise (at least 150 minutes per week), a 
healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol, stress 
management, and regular health checkups. Regular and consistent heartbeats ensure proper blood circulation and 
body functioning. Timely medical intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes for heart block 
patients.
Reference URL: https://geimshospital.com/blog/heart-block-symptoms-causes-and-types/