Heart block
Heart block
Electrical signals control the heartbeat. Heart block happens when these signals get interrupted.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 if:
You or someone else has symptoms like:
- central chest pain or discomfort in the chest that doesn't go away, feeling like pressure, tightness or squeezing
- pain that spreads down the left arm, or both arms, or to the neck, jaw, back or stomach
- unconsciousness
- seizures or fitting
- difficulty breathing (snoring or rasping)
- rapid heart beat
- low or undetectable heart beat
- chest pain and breathlessness, nausea, sweating or coughing up blood
Bundle branch block
Bundle branch block is when electrical impulses travel more slowly through the heart than normal. This happens when there's a block in the path that the electrical impulses usually follow.
There are 2 types of bundle branch block. These are:
- left bundle branch block, where electrical impulses to the left side of the heart get delayed or blocked
- right bundle branch block, where electrical impulses to the right side of the heart get delayed or blocked
Bundle branch block doesn't usually cause any symptoms.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 if:
You or someone else has symptoms like:
- central chest pain or discomfort in the chest that doesn't go away, feeling like pressure, tightness or squeezing
- pain that spreads down the left arm, or both arms, or to the neck, jaw, back or stomach
- unconsciousness
- seizures or fitting
- difficulty breathing (snoring or rasping)
- rapid heart beat
- low or undetectable heart beat
- chest pain and breathlessness, nausea, sweating or coughing up blood
Bundle branch block
Bundle branch block is when electrical impulses travel more slowly through the heart than normal. This happens when there's a block in the path that the electrical impulses usually follow.
There are 2 types of bundle branch block. These are:
- left bundle branch block, where electrical impulses to the left side of the heart get delayed or blocked
- right bundle branch block, where electrical impulses to the right side of the heart get delayed or blocked
Bundle branch block doesn't usually cause any symptoms.
Causes
What causes heart block?
Most people with heart block develop it later in life, or because of another health condition. This is called acquired heart block.
Acquired heart block can be caused by:
- ageing of the electrical pathways in your heart
- other heart conditions, such as a heart attack
- some prescription medicines
- heart surgery
- other conditions, such as Lyme disease
Other people are born with heart block. This is called congenital heart block. Babies are more likely to have congenital heart block if they are born with a heart defect, or if their mother has an autoimmune condition such as Lupus.
Diagnosis
Unless you have symptoms, heart block is usually found while you're being tested for something else.
If you do need tests for heart block, an ECG (electrocardiogram) is usually used to show how well your heart is working. Sometimes you may also be given a portable heart rhythm monitor to check your heart's electrical activity over a longer period.
If a child has a congenital heart block, this may be found during pregnancy with an ultrasound scan. The scan can measure how fast your baby's heart is beating, and an unusually slow heartbeat may suggest a heart block.
Treatment
Heart block treatment depends on which type you have.
First‑degree heart block and Mobitz type 1 usually don't need any treatment at all. Third‑degree (complete) heart block and Mobitz type 2, on the other hand, are usually treated with a pacemaker.
A pacemaker is a small metal device placed under the skin, connected to one or more wires that run to your heart. It sends out regular electrical impulses to keep your heart beating at a steady rhythm.
If you're in an emergency situation, doctors may give you medication to speed up your heart rate. A temporary pacemaker can also be used to stabilise you until a permanent one can be fitted.
Complications
Living with heart block
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with heart block, support is available.
The British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline can help with any questions or worries you have about heart or circulatory issues. Phone the helpline on 0808 802 1234 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for advice.
Information and support for people living with a heart condition is also available through:
- The British Heart Foundation
- Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Get more information and advice on cardiovascular conditions
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