Complete heart block is an arrhythmia that occurs once the electrical impulses which instruct the heart to beat are overdue or jammed as they go through the heart.
This is the most serious form of AV heart block. It occurs once the electrical impulses which instruct the heart to beat does not go between the top and bottom heart chambers as they should. A back-up system takes over and maintains the beating of the ventricles, but they should beat at a slower pace than normal. This can affect the blood flow throughout the body and the brain.
Indications
In some cases, a complete heart block can result to episodes of dizziness or collapsing. It can cause the individual to feel extremely tired, breathless or confused. In addition, it also triggers the buildup of fluid in the body.
Among some individuals, a complete heart block is always present while it comes and goes in others.
Possible causes of a complete heart block
Many individuals with a complete heart block usually have an underlying heart disorder such as cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease or congenital heart disease.
It can also be triggered by the aging of the electrical pathways within the heart, certain medications and even electrolyte imbalance.
Management
The doctor might suggest that the individual will undergo an ECG to help in diagnosing a complete heart block.
Among adults with a complete heart block that results to a very slow heart rate, the doctor might suggest the placement of a pacemaker.
If a heart attack is responsible for the heart block, a temporary pacemaker is needed. In case the normal rhythm of the heart is not restored in a few weeks after the heart attack, the doctor might require a permanent pacemaker.
Among young individuals who have congenital heart disease with a second or third-degree block but without the sluggish heart rate or other symptoms, a pacemaker might be needed but this is discussed with a specialist first.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on complete heart block is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize circulatory conditions including a complete heart block, register for a first aid and CPR course with Ottawa First Aid.