what is a complete heart block?

Is it when your arteries have a build up of fat or plaque?

2 Comments

lack of conduction

by axg9504 - 2008-03-27 08:03:53

in general "block" refers to the inability of the heart to conduct the electrical impulse to the ventricles using the natural conduction pathway. Somewhere along the route there is a break in the transmission. This doesn't mean your heart stops beating because there are backup mechanisms that take over and drive your ventricles. There are various degrees of heart block. Complete or "third degree" means that the electrical impulse doesn't transfer at all from upper to lower.

So it has nothing to do with the state of your arteries.

heart block

by kela - 2008-03-27 09:03:58

I was born with 2nd degree heart block which over the years developed to complete heart block my average pulse was 36 beats per minute. My arteries are fine.Never had any problems, did not have to be on medication, always active.Doctors always told me the signs to watch for. Finally after 36 years i was becoming more tired and it was decided that i get a PM .now my heart rate is set at 60-120 beats a minute. It has been the best tning i wish i would have done it years ago.

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