Heart Blockage 

Heart blockage, a condition where blood flow in the coronary arteries is obstructed, can lead to chest pain or even heart attacks due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Some of the common causes include high blood pressure, cholesterol deposits, and poor lifestyle choices. A comprehensive understanding of heart block types, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention can help with the timely recognition of this condition and early management. 

What is a Heart Block?

Heart block, also called atrioventricular (AV) block or a conduction disorder, refers to the obstruction of blood flow in the coronary arteries that supply oxygen to the heart muscle. This blockage, usually caused by cholesterol deposits, can limit blood and oxygen delivery to the heart, leading to chest pains and increasing the risk of a heart attack. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore proper blood flow.

Types of Heart Block

There are three types of heart blockage depending on the extent of electrical signal impairment: 

First-degree heart block: In this type, the electrical signal in the heart moves slower than usual through the AV node, causing a delay. However, the signal eventually reaches the lower chambers, making it the mildest form of heart block.

Second-degree heart block:

• Type I (Wenckebach’s AV block): The electrical signal progressively slows down until a heartbeat is skipped. It is generally considered less severe.
• Type II (Mobitz Type II): Some signals fail to reach the lower chambers, resulting in an irregular and slow heartbeat. This is a more serious condition.

Third-degree heart block: In this advanced stage, the electrical signal from the upper chambers is completely blocked from reaching the lower chambers. To compensate, the lower chambers may initiate their own heartbeat. However, this can lead to a slower, irregular, and less reliable heartbeat, significantly affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Causes of Heart Block

A heart block can have the following causes: 

• High blood pressure: The force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high.
• High cholesterol levels: Excess cholesterol can build up in arteries, forming plaques.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels, leading to plaque formation.
• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time.
• Lack of physical activity: Inactivity contributes to weight gain and heart health problems.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can lead to conditions that increase heart disease risk.
• Family history of heart disease: Genetic factors may put individuals at the risk of heart issues, including a heart block.
• Ageing: Arteries may naturally become narrower and less flexible with age.
• Unhealthy diet: Consuming high-fat and high-sugar foods contribute to plaque formation, and subsequent heat-related issues. 

Heart Block Symptoms

If you are experiencing the below mentioned heart blockage symptoms, you should consult with a cardiologist: 

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Sweating, especially cold sweats.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort or anxiety

Diagnosis of Heart Block

The diagnosis of heart blockage typically includes the following assessments: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG):
  • Measures electrical activity of the heart.
  • Identifies irregularities or signs of insufficient blood flow.
• Stress Test (Exercise ECG):
  • Measures heart's response to physical exertion.
  • Helps detect blockages that may not be apparent at rest.
• Echocardiogram:
  • Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart.
  • Assesses heart function, valve issues, and blood flow abnormalities.
• Coronary Angiography:
  • Involves injecting contrast dye into coronary arteries.
  • X-rays capture images, revealing blockages and their severity.

Heart Blockage Treatment 

Treatment for heart blockage totally depends on the severity of the blockage. The doctor will analyse the condition and suggest the best treatment. Treatment for heart blockage based on its stage is as follows: 

First-Degree Heart Block:

• Generally, treatment isn’t required at this point. 
• Monitoring for any changes may be recommended.

Second-Degree Heart Block:

• Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms.
• If symptomatic, a pacemaker may be suggested to regulate heart rhythm.

Third-Degree Heart Block:

• This is considered a serious condition that requires treatment.
• Emergency situations often prompt the need for a pacemaker to maintain a regular heartbeat.

Pacemaker Implantation:

• Recommended for second- and third-degree blocks, if necessary.
• Details, type, and expectations discussed by the cardiologist or electrophysiologist.

Complications of Heart Block

If heart blockage is left untreated, it may lead to complications such as:

• Heart Attack: Untreated heart blockage can result in a heart attack.
• Heart Failure: Heart block may lead to heart failure, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
• Angina (Chest Pain): Persistent chest pain (angina) can occur.
• Increased Stroke Risk: Untreated blockages may elevate the risk of stroke.

Seeking proper medical attention is important to prevent these complications.

Can Heart Blockage be Prevented?

Yes. Heart blockage can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, and refraining from smoking. Additionally, managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is also crucial. Regular medical check-ups with a healthcare professional are important for ongoing monitoring and addressing potential risk factors that could lead to a heart block.

Conclusion

Heart blockage poses serious health risks, but its impact can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures (if necessary). Seeking prompt medical attention, making healthy choices, and addressing risk factors are crucial for preventing complications associated with heart blockage. Regular consultations with cardiologists contribute to early detection and effective management of the cardiovascular condition.

FAQs

1. Can heart blockage be cured?

Heart block can be managed, but it depends on the intensity of it. Minor blockage can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, etc., but major blockage may require proper surgical treatment. 

2. Can you clear a heart blockage without surgery?

While lifestyle changes, medication, and certain procedures like angioplasty can help manage heart blockages, complete relief from this condition without surgery is typically not guaranteed. In some cases, alternative therapies may complement conventional treatments, but it is important to consult an experienced cardiologist for proper treatment.

3. How much blockage is normal?

Normal levels of arterial blockage can vary, but up to 50% blockage may be considered within a typical range. However, individual health conditions and risk factors should be assessed by an experienced cardiologist for accurate evaluation.

4. Can 90% heart blockage be cured with medicine?

No. 90% blockage can never be cured with medicines. Invasive procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery are necessary to treat 90% blockage. Consult an experienced cardiologist for personalised advice.  

5. Does 50% heart blockage require a stent?

The decision to use a stent for 50% heart blockage depends on the individual’s symptoms and other factors. Consultation with a cardiologist is important for personalised advice.