Atrial block is a condition characterized by malfunctions in the process of an impulse entering the atria. This pathology is closely related to organic rearrangements in the myocardium. In the absence of proper treatment, the consequences of the defect can be very dangerous not only for health but also for human life.
Probable complications
Any type of intra-atrial blockade carries a huge threat to the entire body. Over time, this pathology can cause other serious health problems. So, because of this disease, it may develop:
- cardiogenic shock - the risk of its occurrence increases significantly, if before a person had myocardial infarction;
- oxygen starvation of the brain - in old age, such a condition can contribute to the development of dementia;
- bradycardia is the most common consequence of the blockade, which is accompanied by a weakening of the pulse;
- arrhythmia - the heart can contract with a different frequency, which can lead to the development of other diseases;
- defects of other organs - in the chronic form of blockade against the background of a lack of oxygen, absolutely all systems suffer;
- fatal outcome - can occur in critical condition at the time of an acute attack, you can save a person only by properly provided first aid.
Development reasons
Atrial block appears against the background of increased loads, due to which dystrophic rearrangements in the atria occur. Pathology develops under the influence of such factors:
- congenital and acquired heart defects;
- ischemia;
- scars on the tissues of the atria;
- uncontrolled intake of glycosides and other medicines;
- myocardial inflammation.
Blockades are not independent diseases. They appear against a background of various abnormal processes that are accompanied by a lack of blood flow.
Classification
Doctors distinguish several varieties of atrial blockade:
- First degree. It is characterized by a state in which the process of receipt of pulses does not stop, but proceeds pathologically slowly. No abnormalities in the patient’s well-being and state of health are noted. That is why the diagnosis of pathology often happens quite by accident, at the time of decoding the ECG results after a routine examination.
- Second stage. The clinical picture worsens, and the conductivity of the impulses is severely disturbed, which causes deviations in the activity of the heart.
- Third degree. This species is detected with complete blockages. The disease is characterized by stopping the flow of electrical signals. In the absence of appropriate treatment, a defect over time will provoke the development of heart failure, worsening of the general condition, and even death.
Symptomatology
Manifestations of the disease are determined by how severely impaired the passage of impulses. The first degree of pathology is characterized by the appearance of weakly expressed, almost imperceptible signs. At this stage, blockade does not affect heart function. At first, a person may not even suspect the presence of such a problem. With the transition of the disease to the second stage, the occurrence of such symptoms is noted:
- fatigue, weakness;
- Dizziness
- fainting state;
- reduced performance.
How does a heart beat with such a disease? When moving to the second stage, the patient may encounter such a problem as arrhythmia, that is, too frequent heartbeat. This symptom is one of the main symptoms by which it is possible to suspect the development of blockade.
If such signs appear, you should immediately go to a cardiologist.
Atrial ECG block - what is it?
If you notice the first symptoms of a pathology, you should immediately visit the hospital and see a specialist. At the appointment, the cardiologist will carefully examine the patient, collect all the necessary medical history, evaluate the current state of health and check for the presence of concomitant defects. Those who have a genetic predisposition to blockade should definitely inform their doctor.
After collecting an anamnesis and physical examination, a cardiologist gives the patient a referral for additional studies:
- echocardiography;
- electrocardiogram;
- daily monitoring by the method of Holter.
How does a person’s heart work during blockade? With such a defect, the rhythm of contractions stumbles against the background of a partial influx of pulses into the atria. Through daily monitoring, you can determine the degree of progression of the pathology.
In addition, during the monitoring, doctors are trying to find out what caused the disease.
ECG signs of atrial block - an increase in the duration of the R wave.
Often, to confirm the diagnosis, doctors additionally prescribe patients with angiography, electrophysiological examination and laboratory tests. Coronarography is performed to detect ischemic abnormalities. With its help, you can evaluate in detail the general condition of the coronary arteries and understand exactly where and how narrow they are. During the study, the specialist can determine not only the features of the course of the defect, but also the further prognosis.
Treatment
Atrial blockade is eliminated in various ways. The treatment method is selected taking into account the degree of development of the pathological process. Therapy of blockade inside the atrium is aimed at eliminating the initial cause of the defect.
If the first degree is diagnosed, then specific therapy is rarely used. In some situations, to recover, it is quite enough to cancel some drugs that can cause a defect. Significant improvement in the patient's condition can be achieved by treating diseases of the cardiovascular system.
If the pathology was provoked by too high excitation of the vagus nerve, then "Atropine" is usually used in therapy. The drug is administered in the form of injections under the skin or is taken in the form of tablets.
To prevent the further development of blockade, the patient is prescribed:
- Ephedrine and its analogues;
- adenosine triphosphoric acid, Inosine, trimetazidine.
At the advanced stages of the disease, drug therapy may be ineffective, since it is mainly aimed at maintaining normal heart activity.
Therapy Features
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to exclude the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, potassium salts, cardiac glycosides and other potent drugs.
If with a blockade the patient has asystole and a strong deterioration in the general condition, then in therapy there is constant or temporary atrial stimulation. In this case, a special pacemaker is implanted, which creates the missing impulses and normalizes the activity of the myocardium. Doctors resort to installing this device in such situations:
- acute heart failure;
- impaired blood flow in the vessels of the brain;
- reducing the frequency of contractions to a normal level;
- increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
If the pathology is asymptomatic, you can count on a favorable outcome. Although success can be achieved in severe cases by transplanting a healthy organ.
Prevention
Due to the fact that the most frequent occurrence of atrial block is due to the influence of abnormal processes occurring in the vessels and heart, the main rule of prevention involves timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these diseases.
Those with a family history of cardiac malformations should follow some recommendations:
- closely monitor the dosage of medications taken in order to avoid severe intoxication of the body;
- beware of a sedentary lifestyle;
- refuse alcohol and tobacco;
- replenish your diet with healthy foods.
By the way, it is proper nutrition that makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of defects. At the same time, it is extremely important to exclude fatty and fried foods from the menu, as well as all kinds of canned food. It is very useful to walk as much as possible. If a family history of diseases of the cardiovascular system occurs, then you should systematically visit a cardiologist and undergo an electrocardiogram.
Completion
All the recommendations described above relate primarily to those whose relatives were susceptible to ischemic diseases, extensive myocardial infarction, as well as surgical interventions on the heart.
And remember that at the first symptoms of a pathology, you should immediately make an appointment with a cardiologist and not delay with the necessary examinations. Only a specialist can correctly choose the appropriate drugs that will help maintain normal heart activity.