The symptoms of heart block can differ among individuals in the early stages, but they tend to converge in the advanced stages, commonly referred to as heart failure.
Early Stage:
Initially, patients can carry out their daily activities normally. However, engaging in heavy physical work, rushing, eating a large meal before exertion, experiencing high stress, or feeling fear can trigger physical symptoms.
Common symptoms include a sensation of pressure in the chest; many report feeling this pressure in both the chest and back. Some experience a burning sensation, often linked to acid, gas, or rich/spicy foods.
Some individuals misinterpret this burning as gas-related and may take gas medications. A prevalent misconception is that these symptoms are temporary and resolve completely. It’s important to understand that early-stage symptoms of heart block can arise from various causes at different times and typically resolve quickly.
Triggers include physical exertion, climbing stairs, rushing, high stress, or intense anger. Environmental factors such as heavy rain, cold weather, storms, earthquakes, or receiving bad news can also provoke symptoms.
Patients may experience chest pressure alongside chest pain or, alternatively, chest pain without pressure. Sometimes, the pain radiates to the arms, especially the left arm, and may extend to the jaw, throat, or upper abdomen. Notably, relieving chest pain often alleviates associated pains, and some may experience palpitations.
Intermediate Stage:
In this stage, the severity and frequency of symptoms increase, lasting longer than before. Even minimal exertion can lead to fatigue, lethargy, and a loss of motivation. Anxiety and physical weakness may also develop.
Advanced Stage:
This stage, known as heart failure, presents nearly uniform symptoms. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot deliver sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to inadequate blood supply to various organs.
As blood carries oxygen and nutrients, a shortage can weaken organs. In this stage, all earlier symptoms persist, along with new ones, such as shortness of breath and dry cough when lying down, which may disrupt sleep at night.
These symptoms can often be alleviated by sitting up or walking, allowing the individual to return to sleep. Other symptoms may include bloating, excessive gas, swelling in the hands, feet, and face due to fluid retention, decreased urine output, severe hunger, a feeling of fullness after small meals, excessive sweating with minimal effort, and shortness of breath even while at rest.
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