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Heart Block—Adult

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Heart Block—Adult

(Atrioventricular Block—Adult; AV Block—Adult)

Definition

Heart block is when signals that control the heartbeat are partly or fully blocked. This leads to slow or skipped heartbeats. It also makes it hard for the heart to pump blood. Heart block can range from mild to serious and life-threatening.

There are 3 types of heart block:

  • First-degree (mildest type)—The heart signals move more slowly from one heart node to another.
  • Second-degree—Signals from the upper to lower heart are blocked, off and on.
  • Third-degree, or complete (most serious)—The heart signals cannot pass from the upper to the lower heart at all. This needs care right away.
Anatomy of the Heart.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

Heart block is caused by:

  • Underlying heart disease or certain heart defects
  • Certain medicines

Risk Factors

The risk of heart block increases with age. Other things that may raise the risk are:

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart block may be:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Chest pain
  • Problems breathing

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A heart doctor may make the diagnosis.

Diagnosis is based on tests, such as:

  • ECG—tests electrical activity of the heart
  • Echocardiogram—imaging exam of the heart to look for structural heart disease

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of heart block. In general, treatment may not be needed for first-degree heart block.

If medicines are causing heart block, they will be stopped or changed.

Some second degree—and all third degree heart block—will need a pacemaker. A pacemaker is an implanted device to help the heart beat at a normal pace.

Underlying conditions will also need to be treated.

Prevention

Some heart block cannot be prevented. For others, the risk may be lowered by:

  • Treating heart problems
  • Having a heart healthy lifestyle that includes:
    • Regular exercise
    • A diet low in animal fat and rich in lean proteins, vegetables, and fruit
    • Reducing stress
    • Not smoking
    • Limiting or not using alcohol and caffeine
  • Not using medicines that can cause heart block
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/atrioventricular-av-conduction-disorders.
  • Atrioventricular block. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/arrhythmias-and-conduction-disorders/atrioventricular-block.
  • Bolourchi, M., Silver, E.S., et al. Advanced heart block in children with Lyme disease. Pediatr Cardiol, 2019; 40 (3): 513-517.
  • Heart block. Heart Rhythm Society website. Available at: https://upbeat.org/heart-rhythm-disorders/heart-block#axzz2OHs4EXZq.
  • Heart conduction disorders. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/conduction-disorders.

Contributors

  • Nicole Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.