Cardiac blockages, also known as heart block, are a type of abnormality in the electrical conduction system of the heart. This condition disrupts the normal transmission of electrical signals, which control the heart's rhythm and coordination of its chambers' contractions. Depending on the severity of the blockage, it can lead to various symptoms and complications. There are three main types of cardiac blockages:
First-degree heart block: This is the mildest form of heart block, where the electrical impulses are delayed slightly but still reach the ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart.
Second-degree heart block: In this type, some electrical impulses fail to reach the ventricles, leading to skipped heartbeats or irregular heart rhythms.
Type 1 (Mobitz I or Wenckebach): The delay in electrical conduction gradually increases until a heartbeat is skipped.
Type 2 (Mobitz II): Intermittently, electrical signals fail to reach the ventricles, causing occasional skipped heartbeats.
Third-degree heart block (Complete heart block): This is the most severe type, where no electrical impulses are transmitted from the upper chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles), leading to a complete lack of coordination between the two.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of cardiac blockages can vary depending on the type and severity of the block. Some common symptoms include:
Bradycardia: A slow heart rate, often lower than 60 beats per minute.
Fainting or dizziness: Insufficient blood flow to the brain due to the irregular heart rhythm.
Fatigue and weakness: The heart's inefficient pumping may lead to reduced blood flow to the body's organs and muscles.
Palpitations: Sensation of skipped heartbeats or irregular heartbeats.
Shortness of breath: In severe cases, when the heart is unable to pump efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
Causes:
Cardiac blockages can have various causes, including:
Age-related degeneration of the electrical conduction system.
Heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Structural heart problems, including heart valve disorders.
Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.
Certain medications that can affect the heart's electrical conduction.
Infections that may damage the heart tissue and conduction system.
Congenital heart defects, present at birth, that affect the electrical pathways.
Treatment for cardiac blockages depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause. Mild cases may not require treatment, but regular monitoring is essential. More severe cases may require the use of pacemakers to regulate the heart's rhythm and ensure proper electrical conduction. If you or someone else experiences symptoms suggestive of a cardiac blockage, seek immediate medical attention to receive proper evaluation and management.
