What Is Heart Block?

Heart block is also known as AV block (atrioventricular block). Out of four chambers of heart, the upper two chambers are called atria whereas the lower two chambers are known as ventricles.

When the signal between the heart’s upper chamber and heart’s lower chamber gets messed up, heart block occurs.

As a result of heart block you may experience dizziness, Syncope (fainting), heart palpitations, chest pain, lightheadedness and shortness of breath. There are three types of heart block: 1) first degree heart block; 2) second degree heart block and 3) third degree heart block (also known as complete heart block).

First degree heart block is not a serious condition. In this condition, all the electrical signals reach the lower chambers successfully, so no problem arises. The only problem is that their speed becomes very slow while passing through the conduction system.

In this state heart rates are normal; hence there is nothing to worry about. This type of heart block does not cause any problem. Some athletes and sportsperson may suffer from first degree heart block. Consumption of particular type of medicines can also lead to this condition. For the first degree heart block, no treatment is required.

In second degree heart block, some signals, which emerge from the upper chambers of the heart, do not reach the lower chambers. This eventually leads to dropped beats.

Second degree heart block is divided into two sub categories: a) type 1 second degree heart block, which is also known as Wenckebach’s AV block or Mobitz Type 1, and b) type 2 second degree heart block, which is also called Mobitz Type 2.

In Mobitz Type 1, with every heartbeat electrical signals get delayed more and more till one heartbeat is completely skipped. This condition may cause dizziness or some other symptoms.

However, this type of heart block is not too serious. People who are normal may also experience this kind of heart block during their sleep. However, some victims may need pacemaker in such cases.

Third degree heart block or complete heart block is a serious condition and immediate medical help has to be given to the victim. In this condition, even a single impulse is not able to reach the lower chambers from the upper chambers. Heart patients usually suffer from complete heart block. Surgery may be needed in this condition but prior to it a pacemaker needs to be planted.