Atrioventricular (AV) Heart Block Quiz

Causes of Heart Block

• Heart block can be caused by congenital conditions, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and cardiac sarcoidosis, among others.

Types of Heart Block

• First-degree heart block is the least serious type and often does not cause symptoms.
• Second-degree heart block is more serious and can cause symptoms, with Mobitz type 2 being the more serious type.
• Third-degree or complete heart block is the most serious type and can cause severe symptoms.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

• Most people find out they have 1st-degree heart block through an electrocardiogram (ECG) during a routine medical exam.
• Second-degree heart block can cause troublesome symptoms that need treatment, such as dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath.
• Third-degree or complete heart block can cause severe symptoms, including fainting, seizures, and even death.
• A sudden feeling of dizziness when standing up from a lying or sitting position can occur in people with Mobitz type 2 heart block due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Treatment and Risks

• All degrees of heart block can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
• A pacemaker is a small device inserted under the skin of the chest to treat heart block by regulating the heartbeat.
• Treatment for heart block is usually required when symptoms are severe or when the heart block is likely to worsen over time.
• Pacemaker helps to regulate the heartbeat and ensures the heart beats at a normal rate.

Other Key Facts

• According to the text, one should call 999 if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, severe dizziness, or shortness of breath.
• The main test used to diagnose heart block is an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• The most common cause of acquired heart block is coronary artery disease.
• Babies are more likely to have congenital heart block if their mother has an autoimmune disease, such as lupus.