Heart Block

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Heart block is also called an atrioventricular (a-tre-o-ven-TRIK-u-ler) or AV block. Heart block occurs when there is a problem in the way the electrical signals of the heart flow. The flow of electrical signal controls the way the heart pumps out blood. Normally, the signals come from the atrium (upper chamber of the heart) then pass through to the ventricle (lower chamber of the heart). The electrical signals spread to the ventricles causing the muscles to pump blood. With heart block, there is a delay or interruption in the flow of electrical signals.
  
  
• The most common cause is scar tissue formed on the path of the electrical signals. Heart block may result from previous heart conditions including myocardial ischemia (decreased blood supply to the heart), infections, tumors, or surgery. Certain heart medicines may also cause heart block. Heart block may also be a condition you are born with.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms depend on the severity of heart block. Sometimes you may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of dizziness, fainting, confusion, or tiredness may occur if the heart block is partial or complete. Diagnosis may include ambulatory monitoring, stress test, echocardiogram, or EKG. Treatment includes certain heart medicines, and pacemakers or implanted cardioverter devices in severe cases.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

For support and more information: Having a heart block may be a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have a heart block may be hard. You and those close to you may feel sad, worried, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group with other people who have heart block. Call or write the following organizations for more information:

• American Heart Association National Center
  7272 Greenville Avenue
  Dallas, TX 75231-4596
  Phone: 1-800-242-8721
  Web Address: http://www.americanheart.org
  

• Heart Rhythm Society
  1400 K Street NW, Ste 500
  Washington, DC 20005
  Phone: 1-202-464-3400
  Web Address: www.hrsonline.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are sad or anxious and you find it hard to do your normal activities.
  
  
• You had a fainting spell.
  
  
• You have increased pounding or thumping of heartbeat.
  
  
• You have questions about your heart block, medicines, or treatments.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

You have signs of a heart attack:

• Chest pain or discomfort that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
  
  
• Unusual, sudden back pain.
  
  
• Nausea (sick to your stomach).
  
  
• Trouble breathing.
  
  
• Sweating.
  
  
• Lips or nailbeds that turn blue or white in color.
  
  
• This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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