Most people associate sudden heart attacks with heart blocks.Although this is possible, many heart blocks are actually a type of obstruction or interference with your heart's rhythm.Problems in the heart's electrical system are to blame.You should get a medical exam if you experience fatigue, chest pain, or dizziness.The diagnosis will tell you if you have a first, second or third degree block.
Step 1: Pay attention to fatigue, chest pain, and other signs of a heart block.
There are many signs of heart block.You may feel light-headed or short of breath.A heart block can be indicated by chest pain.It's important to remember that a first-degree heart block doesn't cause any symptoms.These are found during medical exams.
Step 2: Take into account the severity of your symptoms.
It's important to pay attention to how mild or severe the symptoms are, since second and third degree heart blocks share the same symptoms.You might have a second-degree block if you are experiencing mild or infrequent pain.If the symptoms are frequent and painful, you may have a block.It's a good idea to write down the symptoms, their intensity and Frequency so you can give your medical provider a detailed history.
Step 3: If you have any signs of a heart block, get immediate medical attention.
You should get a medical exam if you have some of these symptoms.If your symptoms are not severe, call your doctor and schedule an exam.Get a ride to the emergency room if your symptoms are severe.You should go to the emergency room if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and an irregular pulse.If you are experiencing severe pain, fatigue, or dizziness, don't drive to the emergency room.
Step 4: Give your medical history after getting a physical exam.
The doctor will check your pulse and listen to your heart rhythm.If your legs or feet are swollen, they'll look for other signs of heart disease.Your medical history will be taken by the doctor.The doctor might ask if any of your family members have ever had a heart block.If you smoke or drink alcohol, they'll ask.
Step 5: Prepare to have an electrocardiogram.
This is a test of the electrical activity in your heart.Line tracings on a piece of paper are used to read the results.It's important to tell your doctor in advance about any medications you're taking since they can interfere with an electrocardiogram.You don't need to do anything special to prepare for an electrocardiogram.If your doctor or cardiologist wants to learn more about your heart problems, they'll use the data from the ECG to do so.Your doctor will let you know if you need to stop taking the medications.In most cases, you will keep taking your medication.All jewelry needs to be removed before the test.
Step 6: Wait for the results if you get the electrocardiogram.
They attach sticky pads to your body when you lay down.The electrical activity of your heart will be recorded on a piece of paper.While the machine makes these recordings, you need to stay still for 5 to 10 minutes.The type of heart block you have will be determined by the paper results.There are no risks in getting an electrocardiogram.There is no risk of electrical shock since no electricity is passing between the electrodes.
Step 7: If your doctor wants to monitor you for a couple of days, you should carry a portable electrocardiogram.
If the doctor wants more data to make a diagnosis, they will ask you to wear a Holter monitor.This is similar to a small ECG that you can wear all the time.Your doctor can tell you when the device will record the heart's electrical activity.
Step 8: If you want a more detailed diagnosis, get an electrophysiology study.
Thin wires will be placed on the surface of your heart to give your doctor more information.They can use an electrical map of the heart to see if there are problems.The most accurate diagnosis is given by lectrophysiology studies.
Step 9: There is a first-degree heart block diagnosis.
If you haven't noticed any symptoms, you might be surprised to get a diagnosis of a first-degree heart block.A first-degree heart block doesn't usually need medical treatment because the electrical signals between the chambers of your heart might be slower than normal.It's more of a delay in your heart function than a block.First-degree heart blocks can be caused by medications such as calcium channel blockers.If you sweat a lot, compete in an athletic event without proper nutrition, or have poor nutrition in general, you could experience an electrolyte imbalance.This isn't always permanent.
Step 10: Discuss the type 1 heart block.
If you've been diagnosed with a second-degree heart block, it will be categorized as type I or II.The electrical signals in your heart are slow, but type I is less severe.You might experience dizziness or skipped heart beats.You won't need treatment if you're not showing symptoms.The doctor can prescribe medication if you need it.
Step 11: There is a second-degree type II heart block.
You'll get a type II diagnosis if the electrical patterns in your heart are slow and unstable.This can be caused by diseases of the heart.The doctor may recommend surgery to insert a pacemaker if the blocked arteries lead to a complete third degree block.If your heart rate gets too low, the pacemaker will be activated.External pacemakers are only used for a short time.If the doctor recommends monitoring your condition, you need to inform them immediately if you experience any new symptoms.
Step 12: Discuss a third-degree heart block with your doctor.
A complete heart block is when the electrical signals in your heart are blocked.If this is a medical emergency, you need immediate treatment or you could go into sudden cardiac arrest.If you want to treat the blockage, you'll need surgery.The device is connected to the heart by wires.The muscles in your heart contract when it discharges electrical signals.About the size of a matchbox, the pacemakers are small.You will only need to stay in the hospital for a day after the surgery.It will last from 5-15 years.