Second degree AV block (patient information)
|
Second degree AV block |
|
Second degree AV block On the Web |
|---|
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Second degree AV block |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]
Overview
What are the symptoms of Second degree AV block?
Second-degree heart block:
- The electrical impulse may not reach the lower chambers of the heart.
- The heart may miss a beat or beats and may be slow and irregular.
- You may feel dizzy, faint, or have other symptoms.
- This may be serious in some cases.
What causes Second degree AV block?
Heart block may be caused by:
- Side effects of medicines. Heart block can be a side effect of digitalis, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other medicines.
- A heart attack that damages the electrical system in the heart.
- Heart diseases, such as heart valve disease and cardiac sarcoidosis.
- Some infections, such as Lyme disease.
- Heart surgery.
You may have heart block because you were born with it. You are more at risk for this if:
- You have a heart defect.
- Your mother has an autoimmune disease, such as lupus.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your provider if you feel:
- Dizzy
- Weak
- Faint
- Racing heart beat
- Skipped heart beat
- Chest pain
Call your provider if you have signs of heart failure:
- Weakness
- Swollen legs, ankles, or feet
- Feel short of breath
Treatment options
Medications to avoid
Patients diagnosed with second degree AV block(except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker) should avoid using the following medications:
- Adenosine
- Atenolol
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Timolol
If you have been diagnosed with second degree AV block(except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker), consult your physician before starting or stopping any of these medications.