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Heart block Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about heart block

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Does having a slow heart rate mean I have a heart block?

No, as well as heart block, there are many other factors that can cause a slow heart rate (bradycardia). Everyone's heart can sometimes beat slower than normal, and this doesn't necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with your heart.

Explanation

When your heart beats slower in response to normal causes, this is called sinus bradycardia. Causes of sinus bradycardia include:

  • heart attack
  • certain drugs, including beta blockers, digoxin and amiodarone
  • jaundice
  • hypothermia (when your body temperature drops too low)
  • hypothyroidism
  • a rise in the pressure inside your brain - for example due to an injury or a condition affecting the brain

Many athletes have a sinus bradycardia.

Another condition involving the heart that can slow heart rate is sick sinus syndrome. In this condition, the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker) doesn't work properly, affecting the way the heart generates and conducts electrical impulses. This syndrome is more common in elderly people, and can be associated with heart attack, heart surgery and taking the drug digoxin.

Sources

  • Bradycardia (slow heart rhythm). Arrhythmia Alliance. www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk, accessed 10 April 2008
  • Costa DD, Brady WJ, Edhouse J. Bradycardias and atrioventricular conduction block. BMJ 2002; 324:535-538
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:346-347
  • Kumar P, Clark M. Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. Elsevier, 2005:766-770
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Can heart block cause black-outs?

Heart block can sometimes cause a brief loss of consciousness (faint or black-out). This happens if your heart rate becomes so slow, that it temporarily stops beating altogether. This is sometimes called a Stokes-Adams attack, when it is associated with heart block.

Explanation

If someone's heart rate slows down and temporarily stops, not enough blood is able to reach the brain. This causes the brief loss of consciousness.

Someone who is having a Stokes-Adams attack will become very pale and their pulse will become very slow or disappear. But they will carry on breathing. He or she may also have convulsions (the legs may twitch around). It is possible for Stokes-Adams attacks to be fatal, but normally they last around 30 seconds and the person will fully recover. Someone who has had an attack may look flushed when they recover.

There are much more common causes of fainting and convulsions than heart block. You should visit your GP for advice if you have symptoms such as these.

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:346-347
  • Kumar P, Clark M. Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. Elsevier, 2005:766-770
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Will I be able to feel the pacemaker?

You may be aware of the pacemaker at first and it may feel uncomfortable to lie in certain positions; however you will quickly get used to it. You should not be aware of the pacemaker's effects on your heart.

Explanation

The pacemakers that are used nowadays are very comfortable, and are so small they can normally be completely hidden inside the chest. You may be able to feel the pacemaker box and connecting leads under your skin as the wound heals - it's very important that you don't try to move them. You should let your doctor know if they continue to bother you.

Your pacemaker will be programmed while you are in hospital to the best settings for you, so you should not be aware of it working. It's possible that you might sense your heart beating faster at first - particularly if you previously had a very slow heart rate.

Sources

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Can I exercise/play sports with a pacemaker?

You will be able to carry out exercise/sports as normal when you have fully recovered from the procedure. However, you may want to avoid contact sports.

Explanation

You will probably be advised not to do any strenuous activity for about three to four weeks after you have had your pacemaker fitted. After that you will be able to exercise or play sports as normal. A pacemaker will only stop your heartbeat from getting too slow, and will not normally stop it from speeding up (which normally happens when you exercise).

You may need to avoid, or take extra care, if you play contact sports (such as football). Your pacemaker can be damaged if it is knocked.

Sources

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How long will my pacemaker last?

A pacemaker battery normally lasts between five and 10 years. You will have regular check-ups to predict when you will need a new one - it won't be allowed to completely run down.

Explanation

You will have normally have check-ups at least once a year after you have had your pacemaker fitted. If any wear in the battery is noted at your check-up, arrangements will be made for you to have a pacemaker box change.

Most of the pacemaker box is taken up with the battery, so the whole box is replaced when the battery shows signs of wear. The leads of the pacemaker are left in place. This is a minor procedure, and like your original procedure, will normally be done under a local anaesthetic.

Sources

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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