Cardiovascular disease is erupting across the globe, and Arizona is no exception. Now, its prevalence is projected to almost double by 2050, and the number of deaths is also projected to increase by 73.4%. Of the cardiovascular diseases, heart block is one of the most prevalent and dangerous ones.
It occurs when blood does not flow correctly through the heart. As a result, poor blood flow can lead to slow heartbeats. It can be fatal if you don’t notice its early signs. Early intervention and prevention are lifesaving. Whether you live in Tucson, Phoenix, or Sedona, checking your heart early can help prevent severe disease. So, let’s know about those alarming signs along with their diagnosis and treatments.
Whether you live in Tucson, Phoenix, or Sedona, checking your heart early can help prevent severe disease. Let’s learn about these alarming signs, along with their diagnosis and treatment options. Let’s learn about these alarming signs, along with their diagnosis and treatment options.
What exactly is Heart Block?
The electrical signals in your heart control its beating. It signals your heart when to contract to have a normal heart rhythm. The timing of the heart’s rhythm is generated in the atria, which are the upper chambers of your heart. It is located in the sinus node. So, now, if you have a heart block, there is a problem with the conduction of signals between the atria and the ventricles.
In most heart block cases, these signals slow down, but they do not entirely stop. Experts categorise heart block into three types: First, second, and third degree. Only the best cardiology specialist Buckeye, can diagnose each type. The specialist will examine and evaluate your condition before providing the treatment.
Alarming Signs That Indicate You May Have Mild Heart Blockage
The development of heart blockages often goes unnoticed. It tends to reveal itself gradually using early signs that most people ignore. However, identifying the following early signs can help to ensure that you acquire the right medical care from a heart specialist in Tucson promptly. It helps you avoid severe heart problems or other risk factors. Here are a few warning signs.
Rapid or Slow Heartbeat
Your heart beating faster or slower than normal can indicate the early stages of a heart attack or a heart blockage. Then, it is possible for your heart to miss a few beats or to flap in ways that feel unusual. This is because disrupted signals through your heart are interrupting the regular flow of beating. If you experience these symptoms and do nothing about them, they will worsen without your knowledge.
Dizziness
Experiencing frequent episodes of lightheadedness or dizziness may indicate insufficient blood flow to the heart. It can happen due to a mild blockage. Such symptoms may arise when the heart has difficulty pumping blood. You can experience this symptom all of a sudden at any point. It often occurs during exercise or when transitioning from a seated to a standing position. Do not dismiss it as tiredness or a lack of fluids; get it checked.
Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling fatigued without knowing the cause could indicate that your heart is not functioning correctly. If your arteries become narrow, the muscles and tissues in your body receive oxygen and blood at a reduced rate. This increases strain on your heart, which, in turn, reduces your energy levels. Be cautious if you feel tired upon waking or after doing very light activity.
Chest Discomfort
Mild heart blockages can cause a sensation of pressure and pain in the chest. So, if you experience a dull ache in your chest, visit the best cardiology specialist Buckeye. The discomfort may become severe with physical activity. Although the intensity may be mild, it remains a warning sign. So, always pay attention to even the most subtle sensations in the chest.
Sudden Loss of Consciousness
Sudden fainting can happen because of a temporary pause in blood flow. It occurs due to blocked signals from the heart. Also, fainting often indicates failure in maintaining the proper rhythm or blood pressure. Although these episodes may appear alone, they should always be treated as a significant medical issue.
Symptoms Indicating You Have Severe Heart Block
Severe heart block is a condition that disrupts the proper electrical signalling within the heart. This may result in severe symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Here are some key signs that are very alarming:
Frequent Fainting
Losing consciousness repeatedly is alarming. It suggests the heart is not getting enough oxygen, which further causes low or stopped heartbeats. This is the time to see a heart specialist Phoenix or Quartzsite for an evaluation.
Memory Issues
Inadequate blood supply to the brain can damage it, and as a result, concentration and memory issues may arise. This is more common when the heart fails to provide stable beats.
Swelling in the Legs and Ankles
A weakness of the heart can cause chronic venous insufficiency, leading to excess fluid in the lower limbs. It causes swelling, especially in the feet and ankles, and often worsens throughout the day.
Bluish Skin or Lips
The blue discolouration of skin and lips is quite indicative of hypoxia. It indicates ineffective cardiac output and warrants immediate medical intervention and attention.
Continuous Chest Pain
Chest pain can be associated with blocked or failing heart pathways. Chest discomfort can be sharp, tight, or heavy and persistent, indicating significant distress to the heart.
Diagnosis of Heart Blocks
To treat heart blocks effectively, prompt diagnosis is crucial. Heart specialists in Mesa have multiple methods to detect electrical problems in the heart and assess the extent of damage.
ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) checks and records the electrical activity within the heart. It captures arrhythmias and assesses the degree of heart block present.
Implantable Loop Recorder
This miniature apparatus is inserted surgically to track and record heart rhythms for long periods. It is valuable in diagnosing absent ECG rhythms, which experts cannot detect during brief ECG recordings.
Holter or Event Monitor
It is designed to follow the heart’s activity for a day or more. Holter or event monitoring helps detect the presence of infrequent heart blocks during ordinary activities.
Electrophysiology Study
The test maps the pathways of electrical signals within the heart using catheters. It helps identify the type and precisely locate the heart block.
Effective Treatment for Heart Blockage
Patients with heart blocks require treatment based on the degree of blockage and its specific cause. Most patients can control the condition and live a healthy lifestyle. Here are some effective treatment methods.
Pacemaker
It is a small device used to help control irregular heart rhythms. Surgeons place it inside the chest to create the needed pace in heart rhythm to lower the chances of having a heart attack. You can undergo the surgery from your rural area, or you can relocate to the main city in Arizona to receive the treatment.
Angioplasty
It is an effective treatment that improves blood circulation and removes blockages. Angioplasty treats narrowed blood vessels to improve heart function.
EECP Treatment
It is a non-invasive technique that guarantees better blood circulation towards the heart. EECP treatment is beneficial for individuals who are unable to undergo surgery or other invasive procedures.
Conclusion
Heart blockage is a medical issue that leads to critical problems if left untreated. So, identify all early signs and take a quick step closer to recovery. So, always pay attention to the symptoms and get the right treatment options and professional help.
For that, you can visit the Advanced Cardiovascular Centre to consult with the top heart specialists. They have a Heart Care Centre in Goodyear, Buckeye, Arizona, and all of them provide accurate diagnoses, proper treatment, and advanced medical care.
FAQs
What can cause a heart block?
Heart block can be caused by ageing, heart disease, or damage to the heart’s electrical system. Certain surgeries, particular medications, and genetic factors can also bring about heart block.
Do lifestyle changes treat heart block?
While lifestyle changes won’t directly treat heart block, they do promote better heart health. Such changes will help manage hypertension and reduce the strain on the heart.
When to visit a cardiologist?
If you experience chest discomfort, fainting spells, or abnormal heart rhythms, it’s time to see a cardiologist. These visits can help identify and manage heart block early on before it progresses.
How frequently should you check your heart if you have a heart block?
The heart should be monitored every 3 to 6 months, based on the individual’s condition. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, monitoring should be performed more frequently.
What are the risk factors of heart block?
The most typical risk factors include high blood pressure and severe heart disease. Certain medications and a history of cardiac surgery can further increase the risk.
Ref:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17056-heart-block
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180986#treatment
https://www.starhealth.in/symptoms/heart-block-symptoms/
https://patialaheart.com/blog/heart-block-symptoms-and-treatment/