Heart block is a violation in its rhythm associated with the cessation or slowdown of the passage of an electrical impulse through the conducting system.
Classify several types of this condition.
Atrial heart block occurs when a pulse is slowed in the area of the atrial muscle; atrioventricular - indicates a violation in the corresponding node; intraventricular disturbances correspond to the level of the bundle of His and its legs.
In the first case, against the background of the normal normal rhythm, the myocardium falls out and a pause is formed, approximately equal to two contractions. Such a permanent heart block is difficult to distinguish from bradycardia. This condition is typical for healthy people and for patients with coronary artery disease. In addition, this type of blockade occurs in the presence of inflammatory pathologies in the heart muscle, poisoning, as well as an overdose of certain drugs (Quinidine, cardiac glycosides, Verapamil). Has a pronounced heart block, symptoms in the form of fainting, possible loss of consciousness, seizures. In some cases, such a violation turns into a flutter or atrial fibrillation.
When the patient is in good condition, heart block does not require treatment. Rarely prescribed drugs "Belloid", "Bellataminal", "Ephedrine". In case of attacks of loss of consciousness or with a frequency of contractions of less than 40 beats per minute, implantation of an artificial pacemaker is prescribed.
Atrioventricular block of the heart develops in the area corresponding to the atrioventricular node. Conductivity disorders in this case may be the result of many organ pathologies. Especially often, this condition is observed with coronary heart disease, rheumatic lesions, cardiosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, congenital malformations. In rare cases, such a violation is observed in healthy people (astronauts, pilots).
There are three degrees of atrioventricular block.
In the first degree of the atria, all impulses reach the ventricles. However, their implementation is slowed down.
The second degree is characterized by incomplete conductivity. In this case, loss of individual ventricular contractions is noted.
The third degree is a complete blockade of the node. The condition is characterized by a lack of conduction, contraction of the ventricles and atria in the correct, but independent of each other rhythm. With such violations, attacks of impaired consciousness, seizures, soreness in the heart, and cyanosis of the face can occur. In this case, there is no pulse and heart contractions. Attacks are the result of a short termination of blood supply. As a rule, with such violations, patients become disabled, they have heart failure. This condition is considered an absolute indication for the installation of a pacemaker.
Disorders of the conduction of the ventricles develop, as a rule, in the bundle of His or branches of its legs. Usually, congenital blockades do not provoke any kind of heart disease, thereby not affecting the quality of life. As a rule, ventricular conduction disorders are easily diagnosed by an electrocardiogram. They are characterized by complexes that look typical.
As a rule, such blockades do not threaten health. Their clinical significance is determined by the probability of progression and transition to an atrioventricular disorder to the full extent. In addition, they may indicate the presence of any pathological lesion in the heart.
Extremely rare are cases of the development of trifascicular blockade. In this case, there is a lack of electrical impulse conductivity throughout all branches. In such cases, there is a need for the presence of a pacemaker constantly.