Heart block, also known as atrioventricular (AV) block, is a condition that causes electrical signals in the heart to be partially or completely blocked. Depending on the degree of the block, the condition ranges from mild to life-threatening. Regardless of the severity, cardiac specialists at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute provide expert diagnosis, treatment and long-term management for people with heart block in Central Kentucky.
Electrical signals control the speed and rhythm of heartbeats. The electrical impulse originates at the heart's upper chambers, called the atria. From there, electrical signals travel through a tiny structure called the AV node. The AV node acts as a bridge to the lower chambers, or ventricles. When the signals move through the heart as expected, the heart muscle contracts and relaxes, pumping blood through the heart, lungs and the rest of the body.
In people with heart block, the electrical signals are slowed or blocked as they move through or past the AV node. This can block the signal from reaching the ventricles. When this happens, the heart cannot work properly, causing poor blood pumping and a slow heart rate or skipped heartbeats.
There are three degrees of heart block:
- First-degree: Electrical signals are slowed but not interrupted. First-degree heart block is typically harmless and rarely requires intervention or treatment.
- Second-degree: This degree is categorized into two types of heart block:
- Mobitz type I, or Wenckebach: Electrical signals move slower than in first-degree heart block. The delay often lengthens over time. Still, electrical signals are not completely blocked or interrupted, and this condition rarely requires intervention or treatment.
- Mobitz type II: Electrical signals typically travel at a consistent speed but are occasionally blocked at unpredictable intervals.
- Third-degree, or complete: Electrical signals are completely prevented from reaching the ventricles.
Symptoms vary based on your degree and type of heart block.
People with first-degree heart block usually do not have any symptoms.
In Mobitz type I, symptoms may be absent or mild and can include fatigue and short periods of dizziness.
In Mobitz type II, symptoms can range from mild to severe, and treatment is generally required. Symptoms may include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting, or syncope
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath, or dyspnea
- Skipped heartbeats
- Temporarily slow or irregular heart rate
Third-degree heart block is an emergency requiring treatment. It can cause all of the symptoms caused by Mobitz type II, plus:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Chest pain
- Congestive heart failure
- Decreased energy level, or lethargy
- Enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly
- Low blood pressure
- Significantly slowed heart rate
Mobitz type II and third-degree heart block have the potential to cause sudden cardiac arrest and death.
You may be able to prevent some – but not all – causes of heart block.
A heart attack or coronary heart disease can cause heart block. In many cases, a heart-healthy lifestyle can prevent these conditions.
- Eat a healthy diet. This includes eating fruits and veggies, lean meats, nuts, beans, fish, and whole grains, while limiting sodium, added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Avoid vaping and secondhand smoke as well.
- Limit alcohol. Men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should aim for no more than one drink per day.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
- Manage other health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, by taking medications properly and following your provider’s guidance.
- Stay physically active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Talk to your provider about what exercises are good for you. Be sure to watch for signs that your heart is working too hard; if you become short of breath or dizzy while exercising, stop and rest right away.
- Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help avoid getting sick.
Heart surgery or some medications, including beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, also can cause heart block. However, heart block resulting from heart surgery or medication is often temporary.
Certain infections, including Lyme disease and rheumatic fever, may lead to heart block.
Rarely, the condition is the result of a genetic condition or congenital heart disease, meaning it is present from birth. It can also develop due to an autoimmune condition or neuromuscular disorder. In these cases, it’s not possible to prevent it. Still, treatments are available to decrease symptoms and help prevent the condition from worsening.
Risk factors for developing heart block as an adult may include:
- An autoimmune or neuromuscular disorder that can affect the heart
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Congenital and childhood heart block risk factors include having a congenital heart defect, a family history of genetic heart block or a mother with an autoimmune disease.
Your first visit to UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Adult Heart Rhythm Program is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and living with arrhythmias.
Diagnosing arrhythmias is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all possible information that can help pinpoint the source of your heart issue. Information from this first meeting helps your team determine the next step in diagnosis.
Based on information from this meeting, your healthcare provider may give you a monitor to wear. This monitor tracks your heart rhythm and allows your team to determine the type of arrhythmia you have. Additionally, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. If appropriate, these tests take place on a different day, and your team helps schedule them at your convenience.
When coming to your first arrhythmia appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve undergone, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit.
- Eat and drink normally. You won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Our Adult Heart Rhythm Program experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond regain proper heart rhythm every day. To improve the future of arrhythmia treatment and management, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute staff engages in trials for new medicines or devices. This gives you access to arrhythmia treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
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