Heart Blocks: Care Instructions

Overview

A heart block is a problem with your heart's electrical system. Normally, a small area of the heart (sinus node) creates the electrical signals that cause the heart to beat in a timed and regular way. A heart block occurs when the signal is blocked. This disrupts the heartbeat. A heart block does not mean that blood flow to the heart is blocked.

Heart block can be caused by many things that affect the electrical system of the heart. These things include the effects of aging, certain medicines, and certain health conditions.

There are three types of heart blocks. In a first-degree heart block, the signal is slower than normal. But the heart rate is normal, and the heart usually is not damaged.

In a second-degree heart block, some signals do not reach the lower chambers of the heart. This can cause the heart to skip a beat or have an abnormal rhythm.

In a third-degree heart block, the signal is completely blocked from reaching the lower chambers. This can cause the heart to slow down a lot or even stop beating. It is a very serious condition.

How heart block is treated can depend on the type and what is causing it. Treatment can also depend on your symptoms. If heart block doesn't cause symptoms, it may not be treated. Treatment may be a pacemaker. You and your doctor can decide what treatment is right for you.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If you feel lightheaded, sit or lie down to avoid injury that might occur if you faint and fall.
• Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit alcohol, sodium, and sugar.
  • Get regular exercise. Try for 30 minutes on most days of the week. If you do not have other heart problems, you likely do not have limits on the type or level of activity that you can do. You may want to walk, swim, bike, or do other activities. Ask your doctor what level of exercise is safe for you.
  • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
  • Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
  • Try to quit or cut back on using tobacco and other nicotine products. This includes smoking and vaping. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Try to avoid secondhand smoke too.
  • Manage other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
• If you received a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), you will get more information about it.
• Wear medical alert jewelry that describes your condition and says you have a pacemaker or ICD. You can buy this at most drugstores.