Heart Block in Adults
Doctor123.org
Heart Block in Adults
FaintingFeeling dizzyFeeling tiredTrouble breathingChest painThird degree " пїЅ This is the most serious type of heart block. It can cause the same symptoms as second degree, but they will be more severe. In some cases, third degree heart block can be life threatening. Is there a test for heart block? " пїЅ Yes. Your doctor or nurse will probably do a test called an electrocardiogram (also called an "ECG " пїЅ or "EKG " пїЅ). This test measures the electrical activity in your heart (figure 1). пїЅ пїЅ
You might also need other tests to see if another condition is causing your slow heartbeat. пїЅ пїЅ
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ If you have trouble breathing or have chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes, call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, dial 9-1-1). пїЅ пїЅ
If you do not have these problems, but you often notice your heart beating slowly or skipping beats, talk to your doctor or nurse. пїЅ пїЅ
How is heart block treated? " пїЅ The treatment depends on the type of heart block you have. Often, people who have first degree heart block do not need treatment. But people who have third degree heart block and some people who have second degree heart block need a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a device that goes under the skin near a persons heart. It sends electrical signals to the heart that help it beat at a normal rate. пїЅ пїЅ
Can heart block be prevented? " пїЅ People who have heart disease are more likely to get heart block. Doing things that keep your heart healthy can help prevent heart disease. This includes: пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
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.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- Eating a healthy diet. This involves eating lots of fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products, but not a lot of meat or fatty foods.
- Walking or doing a physical activity on most days of the week.
- Losing weight, if you are overweight.
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0