What is heart block?
A person with heart block has an abnormal heartbeat that weakens the pumping action of the heart. Normally, an electrical impulse stimulates the muscle fibers in the heart to contract. The impulse spreads through the heart in a very organized manner. Heart block interrupts the normal electrical impulse. There are three types of heart block: first degree, second degree, and third degree. The most common causes of heart block include coronary artery disease and medication side effects.

What are the symptoms of heart block?
First degree heart block and second degree heart block usually do not cause symptoms. Third degree heart block usually does cause symptoms. Symptoms of heart block include chest pain, breathing difficulty, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, leg swelling, palpitations, rapid breathing, slow pulse, and low blood pressure.

How does the doctor treat heart block?
Treatment for heart block depends on the type of heart block, as well as the underlying cause for the heart block. Treatment for heart block may include intravenous fluids, cardiac monitoring, and stopping medications that may cause heart block. A pacemaker may be required to treat some cases of heart block.