What it is
It can be caused by ageing, heart attack, other heart conditions or some medicines, and some babies are born with it.
Mild heart block often only needs monitoring. More severe heart block is usually treated with a pacemaker.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- Dizziness or fainting
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
How it is usually diagnosed
- ECG
- Heart rhythm monitoring over 24 hours or longer
- Echocardiogram
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ECGs and Holter monitor reports
- Cardiology letters
- Pacemaker details and check results
- A list of medicines
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which degree of heart block do I have?
- Will I need a pacemaker?
- Is it safe to drive?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fainting, a very slow heartbeat with dizziness, or chest pain: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.