Heart Block—Adult(Atrioventricular Block—Adult; AV Block—Adult)
by
Michelle Badash, MS DefinitionThe heart is made up of 4 chambers. The 2 upper chambers are the atria and the 2 lower chambers are the ventricles. The sinoatrial (SA) node, located near the top of the right atrium, produces electrical signals that are sent to the atrioventricular (AV) node. The AV node then sends the signals to the ventricles, which are the primary pumping chambers of the heart. The electrical signals are transmitted smoothly from the atria to the ventricles, causing rhythmic muscle contractions that pump blood to the rest of the body. There are 3 types of heart block, ranging from mild to serious:
Third-degree heart block is very serious and requires immediate care from your doctor. First- and second-degree heart block should be diagnosed by your doctor, who will help you determine the best course of treatment, if any.
CausesHeart block often occurs when there is underlying heart disease. The causes of heart block include:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of heart block:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a cardiologist or arrhythmia specialist. Tests to evaluate the heart can be done with: TreatmentThe course of treatment will depend on the type of heart block you have. Generally, treatment is not necessary for first-degree heart block. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. A pacemaker may be inserted for some cases of second-degree heart block, and all cases of third-degree heart block. A pacemaker is a device that generates electrical signals to stimulate heart muscle contractions. PreventionTo help reduce your chances of heart block:
RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/ Heart Rhythm Society http://www.hrsonline.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Heart Rhythm Society http://www.chrsonline.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Atrioventricular block. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 2017. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated November 27, 2017. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Conduction disorders. American Heart Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 25, 2012. Accessed March 22, 2013. Heart block. Heart Rhythm Society website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 22, 2013. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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