Types of Heart Blockages

Heart blockages occur when electrical signals that pump blood in and out of the ventricles are blocked. The heart needs strong electrical action potentials to contract and expand when blood is pumped into the arteries. These blockages inhibit that motion. The blockages are rated on three levels with the first being the less severe. Heart blockages are detected by an EKG exam. There are three types of heart blockage: first, second, and third degree. First degree is less severe and third degree is the most severe. Mobitz type I and II are categorized separately, but they are forms of second degree blockage.

First Degree

• First degree heart blockage occurs when electrical impulses are slowed as they travel down the atrium to the ventricles. First degree blockages does not exhibit symptoms, and it's more common among young, active people. Young people have more active vagus nerves, and this large heart nerve inhibits electrical activity in heart cells.

Second Degree

• Second degree blockage is more serious than first degree. This condition is caused when electrical activity is slowed so badly that they do not reach the ends of the ventricles. This inhibits proper pumping of blood. Second degree blockage is further divided into categories.

Mobitz Type I

• Mobitz type I is a type of second degree blockage where the electrical activity becomes weaker and weaker until the heart skips a beat. The process is continued consistently, so blood does not get pumped properly. The decreased heart rate causes tissue to lose oxygen from lower blood circulation. The main symptom of mobitz type I is dizziness. The age group at high risk of mobitz type I is the elderly, but congenital heart defects can be passed from the mother to the infant.

Mobitz Type II

• Mobitz type II is a more serious condition where the electrical activity in the heart is irregular. In some contractions, the heart beats regularly. In other contractions, the electrical signals are blocked and the heart skips a beat. This type of condition is remedied using a pacemaker. The age group at high risk of mobitz type II is the elderly, but younger patients with heart disease also suffer from mobitz type II conditions.

Third Degree

• Third degree heart blockage is when whole parts of the ventricles do not receive electrical impulses. This causes irregular heart beats and improper blood regulation. Third degree heart blockage can lead to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately. Some doctors insert temporary pacemakers until a permanent one can be placed.