Heart Block Research Paper
First-Degree Atrioventricular Block
First-degree atrioventricular (AV) block is a type of heart block. Heart block is a problem with the system that controls how often the heart beats (heart rate). If you have heart block, the signals that regulate your heart rate are slowed or interrupted.
The heart has two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). They work together to pump blood to the body. The heartbeat starts in an upper area of the right atrium (sinoatrial node, or SA node). This is the heart’s pacemaker. The SA node sends electrical signals that pass through another node (atrioventricular node, or AV node) until they branch out to supply both of the ventricles. As the signals pass down these branches, the ventricles …show more content…
You may get treatment for another condition that is causing heart block. You may also need to change or stop taking any heart medicines that could cause heart block.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Work with your health care providers to control all your risks for heart disease. This may include following these instructions:
○ Get regular exercise. Ask your health care provider what type of exercise is safe for you.
○ Eat a heart-healthy diet as directed by your health care provider.
○ Maintain a healthy weight.
○ Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
○ Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You feel as though your heart is skipping beats.
• You feel more tired than normal.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE
First-degree atrioventricular (AV) block is a type of heart block. Heart block is a problem with the system that controls how often the heart beats (heart rate). If you have heart block, the signals that regulate your heart rate are slowed or interrupted.
The heart has two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). They work together to pump blood to the body. The heartbeat starts in an upper area of the right atrium (sinoatrial node, or SA node). This is the heart’s pacemaker. The SA node sends electrical signals that pass through another node (atrioventricular node, or AV node) until they branch out to supply both of the ventricles. As the signals pass down these branches, the ventricles …show more content…
You may get treatment for another condition that is causing heart block. You may also need to change or stop taking any heart medicines that could cause heart block.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Work with your health care providers to control all your risks for heart disease. This may include following these instructions:
○ Get regular exercise. Ask your health care provider what type of exercise is safe for you.
○ Eat a heart-healthy diet as directed by your health care provider.
○ Maintain a healthy weight.
○ Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
○ Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You feel as though your heart is skipping beats.
• You feel more tired than normal.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE