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Heart block
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HEART BLOCK AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
For expert, personalised cardiac care dedicated to your wellbeing, choose HCA UK. Our cardiology specialists have looked after over 110,000 patients in the last three years, and an impressive 99% of our clinical outcomes are successful.
As the UK’s no. 1 for private cardiovascular care, we cover every aspect of diagnosis and treatment while also pioneering minimally invasive surgeries to speed up your recovery and improve outcomes. You can choose from over 250 consultants, supported by an expert team of clinical nurse specialists, physiologists and radiographers, all here to help.
As the UK’s no. 1 for private cardiovascular care, we cover every aspect of diagnosis and treatment while also pioneering minimally invasive surgeries to speed up your recovery and improve outcomes. You can choose from over 250 consultants, supported by an expert team of clinical nurse specialists, physiologists and radiographers, all here to help.
Heart block is a condition that affects the flow of electricity in your heart. The most common type is atrioventricular (AV) heart block. This is when electrical signals between the top chambers of your heart (atria) and the bottom chambers (ventricles) are slowed down or blocked.
This causes your heart to beat more slowly than normal, which is known as bradycardia, or with an abnormal rhythm, called a cardiac arrhythmia. Sometimes people are born with this condition and have a rare type known as congenital complete heart block.
This causes your heart to beat more slowly than normal, which is known as bradycardia, or with an abnormal rhythm, called a cardiac arrhythmia. Sometimes people are born with this condition and have a rare type known as congenital complete heart block.
Heart block is not always serious, and you may not notice any symptoms at all. However, some people with heart block will require treatment to stop the condition from worsening.
If you have a more advanced form of heart block, then you may need a pacemaker to regulate your heart rhythm and reduce your symptoms.
If you have a more advanced form of heart block, then you may need a pacemaker to regulate your heart rhythm and reduce your symptoms.
- AV (atrioventricular) heart block is a heart rhythm disorder in which the electrical signals travelling between your heart's upper and lower chambers are delayed or blocked. This is categorised as first degree, second degree and third degree, according to its severity. Third degree heart block is the most severe and can lead to a cardiac arrest if it’s not urgently treated.
- Bundle branch block is caused by electrical impulses travelling slower than normal through the lower chambers of your heart. There are two types of bundle branch blocks:
- Left bundle branch block - usually a sign of heart disease
- Right bundle branch block - can occur in otherwise healthy people although it’s sometimes a sign that you have an underlying heart problem
Most people with bundle branch blocks don’t notice any symptoms. However, if your heart isn’t pumping enough blood around your body then you may feel light-headed or even pass out.
Because bundle branch blocks can be caused by an underlying heart problem which requires treatment, it’s important to see a cardiologist for a proper diagnosis.
- Tachy-brady syndrome, sometimes referred to as sick sinus syndrome, is caused by a problem in the sinus node of your heart. This is your heart’s natural pacemaker, and its job is to tell your heart when to beat. If your sinus node isn’t working properly, your heartbeat can alternate between being too fast (called an atrial flutter) and too slow (called bradycardia). It can also cause your heartbeat to pause suddenly, making you feel dizzy.
It’s always a good idea to get any concerning symptoms expertly checked.
Sometimes babies are born with heart block, and that’s known as congenital heart block. However, in most cases it develops later in life, known as acquired heart block, and in otherwise healthy people who have no other cardiac issues.
Illness and surgery can also affect the electrical signals which control your heartbeat. Alternative possible causes of heart block include:
- Heart attack
- Other heart conditions such coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, an overactive vagus nerve (which causes the heart to slow down), rheumatic heart disease, sarcoidosis or a congenital heart defect
- Previous heart surgery
- Some medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers
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HEART BLOCK TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
A fast, accurate diagnosis
Experiencing the symptoms of heart block can be worrying, and we’re here to help. An early diagnosis is the best way to rule out anything serious and get you on to the most effective, personalised treatment plan.
Our specialist cardiac teams offer comprehensive diagnostic testing, and you’ll have results back within 48 hours. That always includes an initial physical examination using a stethoscope. Other tests we may recommend include:
Our specialist cardiac teams offer comprehensive diagnostic testing, and you’ll have results back within 48 hours. That always includes an initial physical examination using a stethoscope. Other tests we may recommend include:
HEART BLOCK TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Specialist care for excellent outcomes
Your cardiologist’s recommended treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, and some types of heart block don’t need any treatment at all. It all depends on the level of heart block you have, your symptoms and the underlying cause.
If your condition is mild, they may simply recommend some healthy lifestyle changes. They may also prescribe medication to minimise the risk of further complications or suggest having a pacemaker implanted to help control your heart’s rhythm.
- Pacemaker
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Heart block FAQs
Heart block is reasonably rare, especially in young people. However, the older you get, the more likely you are to develop it. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women, and around 1 in 20 men over 60 will need help with it.
A complete heart block is a serious heart condition in which the electrical signals from your heart's upper chambers are completely blocked from reaching the lower chambers.
This causes the lower chambers to beat at a much slower rate than the upper chambers, slowing blood flow from your heart and creating potentially life-threatening complications.
If you have any worrying symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath or chest pain, it’s always best to get your heart checked by an expert.
This causes the lower chambers to beat at a much slower rate than the upper chambers, slowing blood flow from your heart and creating potentially life-threatening complications.
If you have any worrying symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath or chest pain, it’s always best to get your heart checked by an expert.
While it’s not possible to cure heart block, our specialist team can help you to manage the symptoms and slow the progress of the condition.
Their recommended course of treatment may include taking medication, making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and having a pacemaker fitted. These can all help to significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
Their recommended course of treatment may include taking medication, making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and having a pacemaker fitted. These can all help to significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
Depending on the type of heart block you have and the treatment you have received, you should be able to live a full and active life with few restrictions.
Your doctor will give you personalised advice, but you should continue to take measures to protect your overall heart health. That includes avoiding foods with too much fat or salt, choosing fresh fruit and vegetables instead, reducing how much alcohol and caffeine you have and stopping smoking.
Always tell any clinician prescribing medications that you have the condition so they can look out for any interactions. If your heart block needs to be treated with a pacemaker, you’ll need to follow the advice you’re given on what to avoid after it’s implanted.
Your doctor will give you personalised advice, but you should continue to take measures to protect your overall heart health. That includes avoiding foods with too much fat or salt, choosing fresh fruit and vegetables instead, reducing how much alcohol and caffeine you have and stopping smoking.
Always tell any clinician prescribing medications that you have the condition so they can look out for any interactions. If your heart block needs to be treated with a pacemaker, you’ll need to follow the advice you’re given on what to avoid after it’s implanted.
Although most people don’t experience complications after having a pacemaker fitted, there are some risks associated with the procedure. These include:
- Blood clots - these can form in a vein of your left arm, although they usually disappear on their own or with anticoagulant medication.
- Infection - if you have a high temperature or swelling, pain or redness at the site of the pacemaker, it may be infected. Speak to your GP or cardiologist as soon as possible, as you may need antibiotics and a replacement pacemaker.
- Punctured lung - in rare cases, a lung can be punctured when a pacemaker is fitted. This causes a small air leak which usually heals on its own, although you may need treatment to drain the air out.
- Damage to the lining of your heart, called a pericardial effusion or perforation – in rare cases, the lining of your heart can be perforated causing blood to leak around your heart. You may need a drain inserted to remove the blood and/or a surgical procedure to readjust the pacemaker.
- Pacemaker malfunction - sometimes, pacemakers fail to work properly or become damaged. If you notice symptoms including dizziness, a rapid (or very slow) heartbeat, hiccups, swollen feet or fainting then contact your GP or cardiologist immediately. If your pacemaker can’t be repaired or adjusted, then you’ll need a replacement.
Yes, you do. If you have a pacemaker fitted, you’ll be given a card with details of the type of pacemaker it is. Carry it with you and always tell doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers that you have it, so that they’re aware and can adjust their clinical approach accordingly.
You’ll also need to inform the DVLA about your pacemaker.
You’ll also need to inform the DVLA about your pacemaker.
Yes, the way that certain medications work means that they can make heart block worse. These include:
- Digoxin
- Calcium-channel blockers
- Beta blockers
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Clonidine
You shouldn’t stop taking any medications suddenly, as this can have adverse side effects. If you do need to have a pacemaker fitted, your GP and/or cardiologist will be able to advise you on how best to manage the medications you need to take.
Although heart block can’t always be prevented, your cardiologist may recommend certain lifestyle changes to improve your overall heart health, such as:
- Eating a diet which is high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in fat and sugar
- Giving up smoking
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
Making healthy choices will help to keep your heart stronger and reduce the symptoms of heart block.
Our patient's story
David’s story: Recognising the need for urgent acute care
David is an energetic, friendly, 78 year old man with a smile that lights up a room. You’d never guess he’s managing two ongoing heart conditions – aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation – and has recently recovered from acute pulmonary oedema, a condition that required a 10-day hospital stay.
“We felt like we weren’t invisible. We felt involved in how the treatment and recovery progressed. They paid attention to what I was saying as I can recognise David’s symptoms.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.