About this topic
Your heart has an electrical system that controls each heartbeat. The signal starts at the top of the heart and moves to the bottom. This signal tells your heart to squeeze and pump blood. The signal repeats with each heartbeat. With heart block, the signal slows down or stops as it moves through your heart. Then, your heart will not squeeze and pump blood the right way. This will lead to lack of blood supply to the body. ‚
Some people are born with heart block. This is a congenital heart block. Others develop a heart block later on. Some heart blocks are treated with a pacemaker. Others are treated with drugs or surgery. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
- If you have a pacemaker, be sure you understand what you need to know about it.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up your doctor may talk to you about if a pacemaker is needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities will not be limited. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Low blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Low urine output
- Passing out
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Treat other heart problems.
- Learn how to manage your stress.
- Exercise and eat a healthy diet.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) intake.
- Do not smoke.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Feelings like being faint, lightheaded, tired, and short of breath
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
Heart Rhythm Society ‚
http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Heart-Diseases-Disorders/Heart-Block#axzz2YeovWFiv ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hb/livingwith.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/530/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Heart-block/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚