Heart disease, including atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure or heart-valve disease. High blood pressure. Previous electrolyte imbalance. Use of some drugs, such as digitalis, quinidine or beta-adrenergic blockers. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Some heart blocks require no treatment.
It provides a regular, mild electric stimulus that maintains a normal heartbeat. Heart blocks that do not bring on symptoms usually require no treatment. More serious heart blocks can be controlled with surgery to implant a pacemaker. See Resources for Additional Information. Your doctor may prescribe atropine for short-term therapy.