Congenital heart block: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Congenital heart block
| image          = [[File:Pierre.hcs3.jpg|alt=Heart block illustration]]
| caption        = Illustration of congenital heart block
| field          = [[Cardiology]]
| synonyms        = CHB
| symptoms        = [[Bradycardia]], [[fatigue]], [[dyspnea]], [[syncope]]
| complications  = [[Heart failure]], [[fetal hydrops]], [[neonatal lupus]]
| onset          = [[Prenatal]] or [[neonatal]]
| duration        = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]]
| causes          = [[Autoimmune disease]], [[genetic mutations]]
| risks          = [[Maternal autoantibodies]], [[family history]]
| diagnosis      = [[Electrocardiogram]], [[fetal echocardiography]]
| differential    = [[Acquired heart block]], [[myocarditis]]
| treatment      = [[Pacemaker]], [[medications]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on severity and treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{Short description|A condition where the heart's electrical conduction system is impaired from birth}}
{{Short description|A condition where the heart's electrical conduction system is impaired from birth}}
== Congenital Heart Block ==
== Congenital Heart Block ==
[[File:Pierre.hcs3.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration of the heart's conduction system]]
[[File:Pierre.hcs3.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration of the heart's conduction system]]
 
'''Congenital heart block''' is a rare cardiac condition present at birth, characterized by an impairment in the heart's electrical conduction system. This condition can lead to a slower than normal heart rate, known as [[bradycardia]], and can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
'''Congenital heart block''' is a rare cardiac condition present at birth, characterized by an impairment in the heart's electrical conduction system. This condition can lead to a slower than normal heart rate, known as [[bradycardia]], and can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
The heart's electrical conduction system is responsible for generating and transmitting electrical impulses that coordinate the heart's contractions. In congenital heart block, there is a disruption in this system, often at the level of the [[atrioventricular node]] or the [[bundle of His]]. This disruption can be due to structural abnormalities or the presence of maternal antibodies that cross the placenta and affect the fetal heart.
The heart's electrical conduction system is responsible for generating and transmitting electrical impulses that coordinate the heart's contractions. In congenital heart block, there is a disruption in this system, often at the level of the [[atrioventricular node]] or the [[bundle of His]]. This disruption can be due to structural abnormalities or the presence of maternal antibodies that cross the placenta and affect the fetal heart.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Congenital heart block can be associated with several conditions, including:
Congenital heart block can be associated with several conditions, including:
* [[Autoimmune diseases]]: Maternal autoimmune diseases such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] and [[Sjogren's syndrome]] can lead to the production of antibodies that affect the fetal heart.
* [[Autoimmune diseases]]: Maternal autoimmune diseases such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] and [[Sjogren's syndrome]] can lead to the production of antibodies that affect the fetal heart.
* [[Congenital heart defects]]: Structural abnormalities in the heart can also lead to conduction disturbances.
* [[Congenital heart defects]]: Structural abnormalities in the heart can also lead to conduction disturbances.
* Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations can predispose individuals to congenital heart block.
* Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations can predispose individuals to congenital heart block.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
Symptoms of congenital heart block can vary depending on the severity of the block. They may include:
Symptoms of congenital heart block can vary depending on the severity of the block. They may include:
* [[Fatigue]]
* [[Fatigue]]
* [[Dizziness]] or [[syncope]]
* [[Dizziness]] or [[syncope]]
* [[Heart failure]] symptoms in severe cases
* [[Heart failure]] symptoms in severe cases
* Poor growth and development in infants
* Poor growth and development in infants
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Congenital heart block is often diagnosed through [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) testing, which can reveal abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity. Additional tests such as [[echocardiography]] may be used to assess the heart's structure and function.
Congenital heart block is often diagnosed through [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) testing, which can reveal abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity. Additional tests such as [[echocardiography]] may be used to assess the heart's structure and function.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for congenital heart block depends on the severity of the condition. Options may include:
Treatment for congenital heart block depends on the severity of the condition. Options may include:
* [[Pacemaker]] implantation: In cases of complete heart block or severe bradycardia, a pacemaker may be necessary to maintain an adequate heart rate.
* [[Pacemaker]] implantation: In cases of complete heart block or severe bradycardia, a pacemaker may be necessary to maintain an adequate heart rate.
* Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms and improve heart function.
* Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms and improve heart function.
* Monitoring: Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
* Monitoring: Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for individuals with congenital heart block varies. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can lead normal lives. However, severe cases may be associated with complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias.
The prognosis for individuals with congenital heart block varies. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can lead normal lives. However, severe cases may be associated with complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias.
 
== See also ==
== Related pages ==
* [[Heart block]]
* [[Heart block]]
* [[Bradycardia]]
* [[Bradycardia]]
* [[Pacemaker]]
* [[Pacemaker]]
* [[Congenital heart disease]]
* [[Congenital heart disease]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]

Latest revision as of 02:20, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Congenital heart block
Heart block illustration
Synonyms CHB
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Bradycardia, fatigue, dyspnea, syncope
Complications Heart failure, fetal hydrops, neonatal lupus
Onset Prenatal or neonatal
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Autoimmune disease, genetic mutations
Risks Maternal autoantibodies, family history
Diagnosis Electrocardiogram, fetal echocardiography
Differential diagnosis Acquired heart block, myocarditis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Pacemaker, medications
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A condition where the heart's electrical conduction system is impaired from birth


Congenital Heart Block[edit]

Illustration of the heart's conduction system

Congenital heart block is a rare cardiac condition present at birth, characterized by an impairment in the heart's electrical conduction system. This condition can lead to a slower than normal heart rate, known as bradycardia, and can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The heart's electrical conduction system is responsible for generating and transmitting electrical impulses that coordinate the heart's contractions. In congenital heart block, there is a disruption in this system, often at the level of the atrioventricular node or the bundle of His. This disruption can be due to structural abnormalities or the presence of maternal antibodies that cross the placenta and affect the fetal heart.

Causes[edit]

Congenital heart block can be associated with several conditions, including:

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of congenital heart block can vary depending on the severity of the block. They may include:

Diagnosis[edit]

Congenital heart block is often diagnosed through electrocardiogram (ECG) testing, which can reveal abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity. Additional tests such as echocardiography may be used to assess the heart's structure and function.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for congenital heart block depends on the severity of the condition. Options may include:

  • Pacemaker implantation: In cases of complete heart block or severe bradycardia, a pacemaker may be necessary to maintain an adequate heart rate.
  • Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms and improve heart function.
  • Monitoring: Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with congenital heart block varies. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can lead normal lives. However, severe cases may be associated with complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias.

See also[edit]