Heartblock of Third Degree: Identified symptoms and potential treatments
In the complex world of cardiac health, one condition that requires immediate attention is third degree heart block, also known as complete heart block. This condition affects the heart's electrical conduction system, preventing electrical impulses from travelling from the atria to the ventricles, resulting in an independent beat of the atria and ventricles.
Third degree heart block is diagnosed through an EKG, which checks the rhythm and electrical activity of a person's heart. This condition can be caused by various factors, including complications of medical procedures, heart diseases, age-related deterioration of the heart's electrical pathways, serious infections, secondary cancer, serious injury to the chest, electrolyte imbalance, genetic heart conditions, certain medications, and other factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
The common treatment for third degree heart block is primarily the implantation of a permanent pacemaker. This device significantly improves survival and corrects the heart’s inability to conduct electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. This procedure restores a coordinated heart rhythm, alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, and the risk of sudden cardiac death.
However, in urgent or emergency situations, doctors may opt for temporary cardiac pacing. This can be either transcutaneous or transvenous pacing, depending on the effectiveness of electrical signals through the skin.
In addition to permanent pacemaker insertion and temporary cardiac pacing, other treatments may include addressing reversible causes such as stopping medications that depress AV node conduction, interventions like coronary angiography and stenting in acute cases related to myocardial ischemia, and the intravenous administration of heart stimulants in acute bradycardia.
It's important to note that a person's chances of recovery from third degree heart block depend on the underlying cause and severity of their condition and the treatments they receive in hospital. Doctors may look for signs of decreased blood flow and oxygen, and they may order blood tests to check electrolyte levels, glucose levels, troponin levels, and digoxin levels.
In conclusion, third degree heart block is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The primary treatment is the implantation of a permanent pacemaker, which restores a coordinated heart rhythm and significantly improves survival rates. Other treatments may be necessary depending on the specific circumstances of the patient.
In the sphere of health-and-wellness and cardiovascular health, other heart diseases could contribute to third degree heart block, as factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and serious infections might lead to this condition. Science continues to explore potential remedies for third degree heart block beyond the implantation of pacemakers, investigating other medical-conditions and their impact on cardiac health.
