Heart block symptoms
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Symptoms of Heart Block: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Heart Block Symptoms
Heart block, also known as atrioventricular (AV) block, is a condition where the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are partially or completely blocked. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of the block.
Common Symptoms of Complete Heart Block
Syncope and Dizziness
Syncope, or fainting, is a frequent symptom of complete heart block. This occurs because the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. Dizziness is also commonly reported, often accompanying syncope or occurring independently .
Palpitations and Bradycardia
Patients with complete heart block often experience palpitations, which are sensations of a racing or irregular heartbeat. Bradycardia, a slower than normal heart rate, is another hallmark symptom. This is due to the disruption in the electrical signals that normally regulate the heart's rhythm .
Chest Pain and Breathlessness
Chest pain and breathlessness are significant symptoms associated with complete heart block. These symptoms arise because the heart is not pumping efficiently, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. This can be particularly severe in cases where the heart block is related to underlying coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction .
Fatigue and Effort Intolerance
Effort intolerance, or the inability to perform physical activities without experiencing significant fatigue, is another common symptom. This is often due to the heart's reduced capacity to increase its output during physical exertion, leading to early fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance .
Sweating and Vertigo
Excessive sweating and vertigo are also reported in patients with complete heart block. These symptoms can be distressing and are often related to the body's response to decreased cardiac output and the resultant stress on the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms in Specific Populations
Radiation-Induced Heart Block
In patients with radiation-induced heart block, symptoms can be extensive and include syncope, effort intolerance, and signs of other cardiac complications such as coronary artery stenoses and valvular regurgitations. These patients often present with a thickened pericardium and may have additional symptoms related to pericardial effusions and constriction.
Congenital Complete Heart Block
Adults with congenital complete heart block (CCHB) may remain asymptomatic for a long time. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include bradycardia, syncope, and serious arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. These symptoms are related to the decreased perfusion and low cardiac output associated with the condition .
Heart Block in Sleep Apnea Patients
Patients with sleep apnea may develop heart block during sleep, leading to bradycardic arrhythmias. Symptoms in these patients can include episodes of syncope and increased mortality risk due to prolonged ventricular asystoles. Obesity and hypertension are common comorbidities in these patients, exacerbating the symptoms of heart block.
Conclusion
Heart block, particularly complete heart block, presents with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Common symptoms include syncope, dizziness, palpitations, bradycardia, chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, sweating, and vertigo. Specific populations, such as those with radiation-induced heart block, congenital heart block, or sleep apnea, may experience additional or more severe symptoms. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of heart block.
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