Heart block

Description

Atrioventricular node conduction block or heart block. Partial or complete cease of impulse transmission from atrium to ventricle of the heart. Most common causer are medicines, heart attack, electrolyte balance disorder (such as high level of potassium in the blood), conduction system disorder. Medicines that usually cause this disease are calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and digoxin.

Symptoms

Dizziness, slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, weakness, fainting, shortness of breath.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. ECG/EKG is done to determine the type of AV block and give a diagnosis to a potential heart attack. Lab analyzes are also being done to determine the level of electrolytes imbalance.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), troponin and X-rays.

Specialists

Cardiology

Therapy

Treatment depends on the type of AV block and it includes observation, cancellation of medicines that are causing a disturbance, correction of electrolytes imbalance or pacemaker insertion.