In first-degree block, the passage of impulses is delayed and there are no symptoms. In second-degree heart block, some of the atrial impulses fail to reach the ventricles that can cause the pulse to become irregular. In third-degree block, known as complete heart block, no atrial impulses reach the ventricles and the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and the rest of the body is insufficient. Fainting or convulsions may result. Heart block may be caused by coronary artery disease , inflammation of the heart muscle, rheumatic fever , or overdose of certain heart drugs.
Treatment depends on the degree of heart block experienced.
Some cases need no treatment while others require medication or an artificial pacemaker . For more information about heart block, contact your doctor. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.