Heart Block: Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatment

Nowadays, the number of heart disease patients is increasing all over the world, including India, and one of the biggest problems is heart block. Due to our changing lifestyle and diet, everything from heart block to heart diseases has become normal. Our heart beats at a steady pace. Due to a heart block, the heartbeat becomes irregular and slows down. This condition is known as heart block.
It is crucial to understand heart block. Because if it is not treated in time, it can become fatal.

The heart has a natural electrical system that regulates the heartbeat. Normally, it travels from the upper chambers to the lower chambers, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently. In a heart block, these signals don’t travel as easily. They can be delayed or completely blocked, causing the heartbeat to be slow or unbalanced.

Heart block is divided into three main types :

• The mildest form
• The signals are slowed. The waves still reach the ventricles
• In most cases, they do not cause any symptoms and are usually discovered during a routine ECG.

• Some signals do not reach the heart chambers
• There are two types of patterns seen here,
• Mobitz type 1, in which signals slow down gradually. Until no block is seen.
• Mobitz type 2 is worse since signals end quickly without warning.

• The most dangerous type
• No electrical signals reach the heart chambers.
• Normally, the heart beats very slowly, due to which the patient feels tired, faints, or if the patient does not receive timely treatment, a heart attack may also occur.

Heart block can occur for many reasons, such as,

The type of symptoms depends on the severity of the condition. Many people do not feel anything, while others can. such as,

• Dizziness,
• Fainting,
• Headache,
• Feeling tired and weak,
• Difficulty in breathing,
• Irregular heartbeat,
• And in many serious cases, chest pain comes to light.

• Doctors use several different methods to test for heart blocks. For example,
• An electrocardiogram test provides data on the electrical activity of the heart.
• A Holter monitor is a portable ECG worn for 24-48 hours to track irregular rhythms.
• An echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to look at the structure and function of the heart.
• A stress test checks how the heart responds during exercise.

Treatment depends on the type and symptoms:

• First-degree heart block usually does not require treatment in many cases, but regular check-ups can help keep us safe.
• If symptoms seem to be a problem with second-degree heart block, it may be important to check the right place.
• Third-degree heart block, which usually needs a lead. A tiny device is put beneath the skin to keep the heart beating at a steady rate.
• If, for some reason, the heart block is caused by medication, the doctor may change the medication.

If there is an atrioventricular (AV) block. If it is not treated, its consequences can be serious, like,

• Congestive heart failure
• A sudden heart attack is also a possibility.
• Risk of injury and repeated unconsciousness.

Here are some tips to help prevent atrioventricular (AV) block. That can lower your risk. For example,

• Get regular heart checkups.
• If you have any other diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, control them completely with moderation.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet, such as eating fruits, vegetables, and cutting back on salt and sugar.
• Stay active by doing safe exercise if you can.
• If you have an addiction, such as smoking, quit.
• Take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor and discuss the side effects of your medicine with the doctor.

If you are keen on taking care of your body, then you can also learn about the benefits of amla juice.

Green vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This proves to be very beneficial for the heart. Vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, and broccoli help in reducing your cholesterol. And fill the heart with strength. Eating fruits like apples, berries, bananas, and oranges keeps the arteries of the heart clean. They contain antioxidants and vitamins. So it helps in preventing blockages.

Nuts play an important role in keeping the heart healthy. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and chia seeds are very beneficial for the heart. Most of the fats that keep the heart strong are present in them. Eating five to seven almonds every day keeps the heart healthy.

Apart from this, you can use groundnut oil in your kitchen to stay healthy and fit.

If you want to live a new life, then you need to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. These are very harmful to the heart. If you quit smoking, the risk of heart disease can be reduced.

If there is one main cause of heart disease, it is stress. Daily meditation keeps the mind calm. Stress can be reduced through meditation, yoga, and quality sleep. This is beneficial in improving heart health.

Water plays a crucial role in the body. Water helps in removing toxins and keeps the blood thin. It is recommended to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. Drinking enough water reduces the risk of blockages in the heart arteries.

Regarding the second point, exercise should be done for at least 30 minutes every day. Any form of exercise, like yoga, cycling, walking, or running, that is good for the heart can be practiced. This improves blood circulation and strengthens the heart. Regular exercise also helps keep blood pressure under control.

You should keep a complete restraint on junk food and fried food. And keep using a balanced diet like vegetables, fruits, and pulses. Due to which your heart will remain fit and healthy.

Heart block is not the same as a heart attack. This indicates a problem with the heart’s electrical system, which sometimes has harmful forms. They just need someone to watch them. While others can be dangerous without treatment. With adequate diagnosis and proper treatment, especially with pacemaker therapy, most people with heart block can lead good, healthy, and active lives.

1) Can I drive with a heart block?
Congenital Complete Heart Block
The vehicle should not be driven, and the DVLA should be notified. The license will not be considered permanent until the pacemaker has been implanted. Or will be cancelled.

2) Is heart block serious?
It depends on which type it is. Mild forms may not cause problems, but complete heart block can be very life-threatening if left untreated.

3) Can a heart patient exercise?
It is better to do light exercise than to do too much exercise for a heart patient. Before you do it, the advice of a trainer can show you how to do the exercise properly. You can make sure that you can breathe consistently. Then you can proceed accordingly.