Second-degree atrioventricular block

Patients may be asymptomatic, or they may suffer from symptoms such as: 

• Lightheadedness 
• Fainting or near-fainting 
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest pain 
• Fatigue 
• Hypotension 

Visit a Cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment if you have any of these symptoms  

• Low blood flow to the heart due to the narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels 
• Following heart surgery 
• Medication toxicity (ex: Digoxin, antiarrhythmic drugs) 
• Electrolyte imbalance 
• Rheumatic fever 
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Malignancies 
• Genetic mutations 

• Electrocardiogram (a simple test to examine the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart using skin-attached sensors to detect the electrical signals produced by the heart during each beat).  
• Laboratory tests: Blood or urine samples are taken to be examined, and this may include: 
• Electrolytes (ex: potassium, calcium, magnesium) 
• Thyroid functions 
• Troponin (a hormone produced by the heart) 
• Toxicology screening (to detect toxins in the blood or the presence of certain drugs) 
• Electrophysiologic testing (a detailed evaluation of electrical activity in the heart is done by using a catheter). 

If there’s a known cause for this disorder it should be treated. 

Treatment options: 

• Medications: Intravenous Atropine may be used in unstable patients with very slow heart rate. 
• Cardiac pacemaker:  A small device implanted in the chest to control the heartbeats. In some cases, another temporary method may be used until it becomes convenient to implant this device.